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Covenant Reformed News - September 2024
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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Today, September 29, is the thirty-ninth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. ...And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. ~ Isaiah 66:18,19,23
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. D. Noorman (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. D. Lee in Hudsonville PRC; Pastor-elect A. Haveman in Loveland PRC; Elder-led in Lynden PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma and Prof. D. Kuiper in Southwest PRC; Sem. B. Feenstra and Rev. N. Decker in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:
Pastor-elect A. Haveman receives congratulations from Classis West delegates this past Wednesday in Hull PRC (see note below)
Students enjoy the outdoors and a healthy theological discussion over lunch at seminary last week.
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
It seems that everywhere we look today, we see conflict: in the world, which, because of its rebellion against God, is doomed never to enjoy peace; in marriages, even Christian marriages; in homes, even in Christian homes; and in churches. The little letter to Philemon contains principles of peace which we would be wise to follow—especially since, as the children of God, we are called to be peacemakers. Visit this page on the RFPA website to order your copy!
From the article "Honor" by Rev. Joe Holstege (one of this month's newly added items)
"God’s idea of honor is exactly the opposite. Where foolish men seek honor through strife, clawing and prying their way to the top, God says “it is an honor for a man to cease from strife” (Prov. 20:3). Where foolish men say honor comes to those who seize it for themselves, God says “riches, and honor, and life” come “by humility and the fear of the Lord” (Prov. 22:4). Where foolish women aim to be honorable by sitting in the gates with the men, God says “strength and honor” are the clothing of the woman who fears him by serving her household (Prov. 31:25). Where foolish husbands despise the delicate nature of their wives, God says she ought to be given “honor…as unto the weaker vessel” (I Pet. 3:7). Where we think some members of the body of Christ are “less honorable” because they “seem to be more feeble,” God says these members not only are “necessary,” but on them we ought to “bestow more abundant honor” (I Cor. 12:23) as we walk in the more excellent way of love.
"Honor is really an attitude of the heart. The Old Testament word often rendered into English as “honor” means, at its root, “heavy or weighty.” If you compare the heart to an old-fashioned scale, how heavily certain persons and objects weigh on that scale reveals what the person finds valuable and important. And this “heaviness” will be evident in the way the honorable person or place or thing is treated. To use a familiar example, to blaspheme the name of God is to treat His name lightly, that is, to take His name “in vain” (Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11). To honor the name of God is to let it weigh heavily on your mind and tongue so that you treat it with the utmost gravity and respect."
News Report of Classis West of the PRCA
Meeting September 25, 2024
Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on September 25, 2024, in Hull (IA) PRC. The Hull congregation did a fine job of hosting the delegates.
The day before the meeting, Hull’s council hosted an officebearers’ conference on the subject of “The Conclusion of PRCA Foreign Missionary Labors in the Philippines.” The speakers were two of our former missionaries to the Philippines, Rev. Daniel Kleyn and Rev. Richard Smit, who each gave two speeches. Rev. Kleyn spoke on “The History of our Mission Work” and “Concluding Our Work in the Philippines.” Rev. Smit spoke on “Lessons Learned in Our Mission Work” and “The Current Status of the PRC in the Philippines.”
Delegated to Classis were 26 men (10 ministers, 15 elders, and 1 deacon), and they were joined by three synodical deputies from Classis East. A number of visitors were also present, including grade school children from three area Protestant Reformed schools and high school students from the area high school. By alphabetical rotation, Rev. R. Smit chaired the meeting.
Five men signed the Formula of Subscription as first-time delegates to Classis, the minutes of the previous meeting of Classis were approved, and the chairman appointed five committees of pre-advice.
The highlight of the meeting was the examination of Pastor-elect Arend Haveman, who had accepted the call to serve as pastor of Loveland (CO) PRC. The night before Classis convened, the delegates gathered with the Hull congregation to worship God and to hear the specimen sermon of Mr. Haveman. He preached on 1 Peter 2:9-10 under the theme “A Chosen Generation,” and displayed clearly the gifts that God has entrusted to him for the proclamation of the gospel. The majority of the morning of Classis was taken up with the joyful work of examining Mr. Haveman in theology, knowledge of Scripture and the Reformed confessions, controversy, and practica. Throughout the exam the brother gave a good account of the intellectual and spiritual gifts necessary for the ministry. Classis unanimously approved his examination, and the synodical deputies from Classis East heartily concurred. The brother plans to be ordained and installed into the ministry in the next few weeks. We give thanks to the Lord of the harvest for supplying our churches with another faithful laborer!
(Photo below: CW delegates congratulate Pastor-elect Arend Haveman)
After the conclusion of the exam, Classis took an extended break for the committees of pre-advice to prepare their advice. When the delegates reassembled in the afternoon, the four questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked of the consistories and satisfactorily answered by all.
In closed session, Classis treated the report of a special committee assigned by Classis to help a consistory regarding a case of sexual abuse. Classis approved the work of the special committee up to this point, gave advice to the consistory, and gave further mandates to the special committee as to their work with the consistory going forward.
After supper, routine reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon committee were read and approved.
Classis also treated a request from its church visitors. In March 2024, Classis had given the following mandate to the church visitors with respect to reports received by consistories from the third-party investigation into cases of sexual abuse: “…instruct its church visitors that, prior to the meeting with each consistory for the annual church visitation, they request a report of all correspondence received from the third party with the names redacted. The church visitors would then discuss this correspondence with the consistory at the annual meeting, document the correspondence, and report their findings in summary form with names redacted to the classis.” In light of Synod 2024 deciding that the previous Synod had erred in authorizing a secular organization to do this work, the church visitors asked to be relieved of this mandate. Classis did not approve this request of the church visitors, but decided that the mandate should stand, judging that the church visitors had not demonstrated why the decision of Synod 2024 was reason that their mandate must be rescinded nor why the fulfilling of this mandate would be improper.
Classis also treated the protest of a consistory against a procedural decision of the previous meeting of Classis. Classis upheld the protest and declared its previous decision to be in error on the grounds that (1) Classis had wrongly entered into a matter that had just been declared not legally before it; (2) that the material entered into had not appeared in the agenda or on the consistory’s credentials; and (3) that Classis’ decision rested upon a faulty understanding of Article 30 of the Church Order, because, while Article 30 says that Classis may deal with matters "such as pertain to the churches of the major assembly in common," this does not give Classis the right to enter into any local matter it wants to.
Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply through March of 2025 for the vacant congregations of Hope PRC (Redlands, CA) and Lynden (WA) PRC.
The expenses of the meeting were approved in the amount of $12,762.48.
Classis finished its work a little after 9:00 PM.
Classis West will meet next in Calvary PRC (Hull, IA) on March 5, 2025, the Lord willing.
Rev. Joshua Engelsma
Stated Clerk, Classis West
Today, September 22, is the thirty-eighth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem. ~ Isaiah 27:12,13
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. R. Dykstra in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. R. Hanko in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Sem. B. Feenstra in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Maatman in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:
Hull PRC, host of this week's meeting of Classis West (see note below)
A beautiful full (super!) moon spread its morning glow last week Tuesday at seminary.
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
Would you like to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America? This resource will help you understand the biblical and confesisonal nature of her faith and walk.
Proper Sabbath Observance: The Sojourner's Sabbath by H. Hoeksema (one of this month's featured resources)
Small wonder that with such a spirit of frivolous world-seeking and practical materialism the Sabbath is no longer remembered by many, and desecration of the first day of the week has become customary. Even as the Sabbath was ordained for the purpose of lifting up the pilgrim-stranger in this world to things heavenly and spiritual, so it could, in the world, serve the purpose of enjoying the things earthly and material better than any other day of the week. And even as this desecration of the Sabbath itself has its source in a spirit of world-mindedness, so it exerts a reflex influence upon the minds and lives of the people of God so that they become less heavenly-minded, more attached to the things of the world.
The true significance of the Sabbath, that it was not ordained for recreation and pleasure-seeking; that its chief purpose is not even that we might rest from our daily toil and labour; but that on that day we should be occupied exclusively with things spiritual and heavenly, that so it might have a sanctifying influence on our whole life in the midst of the world, and that we might have a foretaste of and more and more fervently long for the eternal Sabbath—this true import of keeping the Sabbath is no longer understood.
Georgetown PRC (in Hudsonville, MI) hosted classis for three days. Rev. Nathan Decker served as the chairman of the meeting. Through his leadership classis worked its way through all the matters on the agenda in a careful and brotherly manner.
Rev. Audred Spriensma requested approval for emeritation (retirement from active ministry) from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN). After a consistory approves the retirement of a minister, it must also be approved by classis and synod. Classis East concurred with the decision of Cornerstone to approve Rev. Spriensma’s request and approved a decision that states, “That Classis express its deep appreciation and thanks to God for the 43 years of Rev. Spriensma’s dedicated service in the ministry and chaplaincy, and especially for his faithful work as both foreign and domestic missionary” (Article 15, II,D).
The churches of Classis East received reports of sexual abuse from an organization that synod hired to help investigate child sexual abuse in the Protestant Reformed Churches. The Church Visitors and Providence PRC brought recommendations for how Classis East could provide accountability for how consistories respond to these reports. Providence PRC’s recommendation, which came by way of overture, was approved by classis. Classis appointed a committee of ten elders (with three alternates) to work with the Church Visitors “to provide accountability, ensuring that consistories respond rightly to the reports from Guidepost” (Article 26, II,A).
In closed session classis spent much time on a protest. The substance of the case is sensitive and cannot be explained, but the fact that there are seven articles in the minutes about this case reflects how much time classis took to handle the sensitive matter carefully.
A special committee report was also treated in closed session. The special committee was appointed by classis to assist a consistory on a sensitive case. Classis approved the labors of the committee and mandated that the committee continue in its work.
Another special committee submitted a report in May, 2024. Classis did not treat the report in May in order to take more time to read and reflect on the report. The report reflects on a specific case of child sexual abuse and explains lessons that can be learned from this case about how the church should handle disclosures of child sexual abuse. Classis decided to receive the report and to make it available with a cover letter for the officebearers and members of Classis East. The report and cover letter has been sent to the councils of Classis East for distribution. [The link to this report may be found here.]
Rev. Smidstra brought an overture that was approved by the Consistory of First PRC of Holland, MI asking that Classis East and Synod adopt a rule “allowing protestants and appellants to speak on the legality in their cases” (Article 18, I,A). Classis approved the request and adopted the rule for its own rules. The overture has been sent to synod with the approval of Classis East for synod to consider adding this rule to the Rules of Synod.
Classis also treated several matters that are commonly part of its work, including deciding that its next meeting will convene January 8, 2024 at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) at 8:00 a.m.
[The link to the open session minutes of this meeting may be found here.]
In Christ’s Service,
Rev. Clayton Spronk
Stated Clerk, Classis East
Today, September 15, is the thirty-seventh Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
With whom [Israel] the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice. And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods. And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods. But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. ~ 2 Kings 17:35-39
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. W. Langerak in Georgetown PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. C. Haak in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammnega and Prof. C. Griess in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. D. Kuiper in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:
First-year student Joseph Dick led in daily devotions last week.
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
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WHO IS JESUS? The True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman…I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15: 1, 5
"The vine with its roots planted in the soil is the source of life for the branches and the fruit that is produced. Jesus is the source of all life for his church. He gives strength to the church and causes her to be productive to his glory. Jesus grants to his church all the blessings of salvation.
"As with the physical vine, the branches have nothing if they are cut off from the vine. They have to be connected. How are they connected? There is a farmer, a vine-dresser. John 15:1 refers to the husbandman. It is he that plants the vine. It is he who cares for the vine. He prunes the vine branches, and grafts other branches into the vine. The branches draw their life from the vine.
"Jesus’ Father in heaven gave Jesus to be the life for his people. We depend upon Jesus for our spiritual life, vitality, nutrition and salvation. We depend upon Jesus, just as the branch depends upon the vine for everything. Without Jesus Christ, we are nothing. In Christ we receive grace, forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
"How is Jesus this life providing vine? The answer is first found in the “I am” statement. Jesus is the true vine, the source of life, strength, and salvation to his church because he is God. God is the source of all that we need.
"Secondly, Jesus is this vine because God planted his son, Jesus, here in our world. He came in the likeness of men, our sinful flesh as a lowly vine. He bore our sin and guilt and death. But by his resurrection, he gives life to us, making us living branches.
"Thirdly, there is, in the figure of the vine, wonderful fruit. Jesus stresses this in our passage. Jesus is the One who causes the branches to bear fruit. How disappointing it would be if we walked through a vineyard and there was absolutely no fruit, or only sickly fruit. Six times Jesus mentions bearing fruit or not bearing fruit. Everything depends upon the branches being connected to the vine. Everything depends upon our being connected to Jesus. Jesus is the only power that enables his people to produce fruit. That was why Jesus said in verse 3: “now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Jesus cleanses us and enables us to bring forth good fruit.
"Of ourselves, all that we can produce is sin and evil. The only reason that you and I are able to bear any fruit that is pleasing to God is because we are connected to Jesus. He is the source, our strength, and our life. All our strength to do good is in Jesus."
~ Taken from the series "Who Is Jesus?" (based on the "I ams" of Jesus found in the Gospel according to John) by Rev. A. Spriensma
Classis East
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Classis West
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