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Covenant Reformed News - September 2023
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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News from the Reformed Witness Hour
October 2023
Help Us Get the Word Out!
This month we have five Christ-centered, Gospel-themed messages to share!
In October, we will continue with Rev. Bruinsma’s series on Christ’s return.
October 1
Satisfied with Marrow and Fatness
Psalm 63:5
October 8
Gathered Unto Armageddon
Revelation 16:10-16
October 15
The Final Sign of Christ’s Return
Luke 21:25-28
October 22
The Scripture of God’s Word
2 Peter 1:20-21
October 29
To a Thousand Generations
Psalm 105:6-8
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New Radio Station Update
You may remember in March this year we announced that the Reformed Witness Hour would air on two new radio stations: WGTK in Greenville, South Carolina and WLQV in Detroit, Michigan. Since that time, we have also found a second station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to air our program, WJAS. We are extremely excited to see that in the first six months of broadcasting in South Carolina, the number of messages listened to in the state has doubled compared to the six months prior to broadcasting there.
In Case You Missed It!
If you missed it, take time to listen to Rev. Bruinsma’s message on Christian Education called Craving Knowledge. As we continue this school year, this sermon gives a wonderful reminder of our calling as children of God to gain knowledge and wisdom in the Word of God. Rev. Bruinsma discusses Proverbs 1:7, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” and expounds on the three important terms used:
Do you crave knowledge? Fools despise instruction, remember. At times children like to bemoan the fact that they must apply themselves to their studies. But the Word of God is plain; apply yourselves to your schoolwork, not simply because it is beneficial from an earthly point of view, but because it is beneficial from a spiritual point of view. All knowledge is a gift of God. And the more we know of God and how He works in creation and history, the more we become wise. Learn more by listening to the message at reformedwitnesshour.org, search for key words: Craving Knowledge.
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Today, October 1, is the fortieth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. 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.
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 listen online.
O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. ~ Psalm 117:1,2
Special Congregational Notices:
Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB): "We have been granted a lease with St. Albert Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11 Glenview Crescent, St. Albert. Our first services will be on October 1st. Service times will remain at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. We give thanks to the Lord for the continued provision of a building. Psalm 34:10 - “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” And also this: "The parsonage property in Akinsdale (St. Albert) has been purchased. The new possession date is Monday, October 30th. We give thanks to our denomination for their generous donations, which have allowed us to purchase this property with cash. 'Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.' II Corinthians 9:11"
Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): "Community Bible Study: Our first meeting will be this Wednesday [Oct.4] with Howard Pastoor as the leader. There are extra flyers placed in all the mailboxes in the back, please use them to personally invite neighbors, co-workers or anyone that may be interested." [held in the church's back building, sw side]
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Barnhill in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. McGeown in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Noorman 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!
Pastor-elect Matt Koerner and his wife Sharon following his successful examination at Classis West this past week (see below)
Classis East: Classis East met on Wednesday, September 13, at Trinity PRC. The delegates are scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, Oct.25. For a summary of the actions and decisions, visit this page.
Classis West: Classis West held its regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) this past Wednesday, September 27. At this meeting pastor-elect Matt Koerner was examined and approved for ordination as a minister of the Word and sacraments in the PRC. For more on this meeting, including the stated clerk's public report, visit this page.
Rev. J. Laning, PRC home missionary, is preaching for two Sunday's in Hope PRC-Redlands, CA while Rev. Kortus is in Loveland on classical supply.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
7th-grade students from Hope PRCS visited seminary this past Friday, taking part in devotions with faculty and students
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!
Are you a Standard Bearer reader? If not, become one by subscribing here!
Do You Know the True God? (2-3)
Do you know the true God? Not the god of man’s imagination, but the God of the Bible? This is an important question, because Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). If you are to live with God forever in heaven, you must know Him.
If you are interested in knowing the true God, please consider the following.
(4) God’s Salvation
1. God is also the Saviour who has sent Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners from their sin and the everlasting torments of hell (Isa. 43:11).
2. In His death, Christ suffered the torments of hell in the place of all those who believe in Him. By His death, He paid their debt and earned for them the forgiveness of their sins (I Peter 3:18).
3. Christ fulfilled God’s demand for believers by perfectly loving God and keeping God’s law. God considers them to be righteous in Christ (Rom. 5:19).
4. Christ gives spiritual life to those whom God saves so that they believe in Him. They know God and enjoy His fellowship. They will live with the true God in heaven forever (I John 5:20).
(5) True Faith
1. Do you seek the forgiveness of your sins, the righteousness of Christ, and eternal fellowship with the true God? God says to you,'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house' (Acts 16:31).
2. Believe that God is your Creator, Sustainer and Ruler, who is worthy of your love and worship. Realise that you are a sinner who has failed to fulfil your God-given duty and who needs salvation. Trust God to save you from your sins through the atoning death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3. True faith will cause you to repent of your sins. You will acknowledge that you are a sinner, sorrow over your sin and rebellion against God, and forsake your sin (Eze. 18:30).
4. True faith will make youobedient. It will cause you to seek to keep God’s commandments and live a life of thanksgiving to Him (James 2:17-19).
5. True faith believes that salvation is not the work of man but the gift of God. The believer is saved by the grace of God alone (Eph. 2:8-9).
(6) Do You Know?
Do you know the true God and His Son Jesus Christ?
If not, obey the command of God to trust Christ for salvation.
Without the knowledge of the true God, which comes through faith, you do not have eternal life but face the everlasting torments of hell.
Taken from one of this month's featured resources
Classis West held its regular meeting Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Crete PRC (Illinois).
The main item on the agenda is the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew Koerner (2023 PRC Seminary graduate), who has accepted the call to Hosanna PRC in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Last evening he gave his specimen sermon before the delegates of Classis West and Crete PRC in a worship service. This morning Classis approved that sermon and proceeded to his examination in theology, Bible knowledge, confessions, and practica.
Rev. J. Marcus, chair of Classis, asking for any further questions from the delegates
Rev. M. Kortus questioning Matt K in the doctrine of the church
Classis West has approved Pastor-elect Matt Koerner's examination and advised Hosanna PRC to proceed with his ordination. We rejoice with the brother and his wife in God's goodness and grace in this successful examination. May He continue to bless them as they anticipate his ordination and installation in Hosanna PRC.
Rev. J. Marcus informing Pastor-elect M. Koerner and his wife Sharon of Classis' approval of his examination.
Matt and Sharon Koerner with his classical diploma
Yesterday (Tuesday, Sept.26) Classis West held an officebearers' conference on "Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response." A good number of officebearers and members attended, including the faculty and students from the PRC Seminary.
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News Report of Classis West of the PRCA
Meeting September 27, 2023
Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on September 27, 2023, in Crete (IL) PRC. The Crete congregation did a fine job of hosting the delegates.
The day before the meeting, an officebearers’ conference was held on the timely subject of “Sexual Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response.” Prof. Cory Griess spoke first on “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse,” and Prof. Russell Dykstra spoke next on “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” The conference concluded with a roundtable discussion among pastors, elders, and professors in which they talked about various questions and challenges they face in working through cases of sexual abuse.
Delegated to Classis were 25 men (8 ministers and 17 elders), and they were joined by three synodical deputies from Classis East. A number of visitors were also present, including junior high and high school students from the area Protestant Reformed school. By alphabetical rotation, Rev. J. Marcus chaired the meeting.
Two elders signed the Formula of Subscription as first time delegates to Classis, the minutes of the previous meeting of Classis were approved, and the questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and satisfactorily answered by the consistories.
The highlight of the meeting was the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew Koerner, who had accepted the call to serve as pastor of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton). The night before Classis convened, the delegates gathered with the Crete congregation to worship God and to hear the specimen sermon of Mr. Koerner. He preached on Psalm 34:1-3 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. Koerner 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 months. We give thanks to the Lord of the harvest for supplying our churches with another faithful laborer!
After the conclusion of the exam, Classis heard regular reports from the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon library committee and approved their work.
The church visitors of Classis reported on their work with the saints of Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) after the resignation of office and departure from the denomination of their pastor and two of their three other officebearers. Classis approved the work of the church visitors regarding this case and thanked them for their timely response to the situation. Classis also asked the consistory of Loveland PRC, which has taken oversight of the saints in Spokane, to bring a recommendation to the next meeting of Classis regarding the viability of a congregation in Spokane and the path forward for the saints there. Finally, Classis communicated to the saints in Spokane its continued love, care, and support for them.
In closed session, Classis treated the report of a special committee assigned by Classis in March to help a consistory regarding a case of sexual abuse. Classis approved the work of the special committee up to this point, and gave further mandates to the special committee as to their work with the consistory going forward.
Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply through March of 2024 for the vacant congregations of Loveland (CO) PRC, Lynden (WA) PRC, and Randolph (WI) PRC.
The expenses of this meeting totaled $11,174.59.
Classis finished its work by about 5:00 PM.
Classis West will meet next in Randolph (WI) PRC on March 6, 2024, the Lord willing.
Rev. Joshua Engelsma
Stated Clerk, Classis West
Today, September 24, is the thirty-ninth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. 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.
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 listen online.
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. ...What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. ~ Psalm 116:5-9; 12-14
Special Congregational Notices:
Faith PRC: Reformed Doctrines Class: A new season of instruction in Prof. D. Engelsma’s Reformed Doctrines Class will begin on Wednesday, September 27 at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI), God willing. The class meets from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. The first class will treat of the creation and rebellious fall of Lucifer and a host of angels with him. It will consider the question, whether we take the devil and his demons seriously enough in the struggle of our Christian life. The class meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to attend.
Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB): "We have been granted a lease with St. Albert Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11 Glenview Crescent, St. Albert. Our first services will be on October 1st. Service times will remain at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. We give thanks to the Lord for the continued provision of a building. Psalm 34:10 - “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Smit in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. W. Langerak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. D. Lee in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. R. Dykstra 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!
Crete PRC (Illinois), host of last week's meeting of Classis West and Officebearers' Conference
Classis East: Classis East met on Wednesday, September 13, at Trinity PRC. The delegates are scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, Oct.25. For a summary of the actions and decisions, visit this page.
Classis West: Classis West will hold its next regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) on Wednesday, September 27.
CALL TO WORSHIP: The consistory calls the [Crete] congregation to a special worship service to be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. Pastor-elect Koerner will deliver the sermon as part of his classical examination.
Crete PRC will be hosting an officebearers' conference on Tuesday afternoon, September 26. The theme of the conference is “Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response.” The first speech will be given at 1:00 by Prof. C. Griess on the topic of “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse.” The second speech will be given at 2:30 by Prof. R. Dykstra on the topic “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” There will also be a round table discussion after the second speech. The round table discussion will center around the theme of the conference “Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response” and will be for officebearers only. Visitors are welcome to attend the speeches.
Rev. J. Laning, PRC home missionary, is preaching for two Sunday's in Hope PRC-Redlands, CA while Rev. Kortus is in Loveland on classical supply. Hope PRC had this note in her bulletin today: "Evangelism Lecture: The congregation is invited to attend an evangelism lecture on the basics of the reformed faith by Rev. James Laning. The lecture will be held this week Friday night at 7 p.m. at church. Please join us for fellowship and refreshments afterwards. We will also be hosting a book sale."
Rev. D. Kleyn and his wife Sharon arrived safely in West Michigan this past week after leaving their foreign mission labors in the Philippines. They are staying with his parents and visiting family and friends, while he prepares to give at the RFPA meeting this week Thursday. He plans to attend the meeting of Classis West this week and next week they will move to Doon, Iowa, where he plans to be installed on Oct.15.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
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!
In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for help with any of these materials (616-531-1490).
Do You Know the True God? (2-3)
Do you know the true God? Not the god of man’s imagination, but the God of the Bible? This is an important question, because Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). If you are to live with God forever in heaven, you must know Him.
If you are interested in knowing the true God, please consider the following.
(2) God’s Demand
1. Since God is your Creator, Sustainer and Ruler, to whom you owe your very life, He demands that you reverence Him as the only true God (Ps. 33:8).
2. God requires that you worship and serve Him from a heart that is filled with gratitude for all that He has done for you (Ps. 100).
3. In reverence, you must obey God’s law as given in the Ten Commandments. This obedience must be complete and perfect (Ex. 20:3-17).
4. Your obedience must come from a heart of love. You must love God with all your being and you must love your neighbour as yourself (Matt. 22:37-40).
(3) Man’s Failure
1. However, you do not keep God’s commandments out of love for Him. You are a sinner who fails to do what God demands of you (Job 7:20; 13:23; 40:4).
2. You can do nothing that is truly good and pleasing to God. Even the best of your works are like filthy rags to God (Rom. 3:10-18).
3. Your sinful deeds come from a wicked heart. You were born with a corrupt inner nature (Gen. 6:5; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9).
4. God is the holy One who hates sin and must punish sinners. Apart from God’s grace, you will be condemned to the everlasting torments of hell forever (Matt. 13:49-50).
Taken from one of this month's featured resources
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord of the Harvest. Significant changes have taken place in our mission labors in the Philippines which we need to report to you.
The Doon Council and the FMC decided in April 2023 to begin the process of withdrawing our missionaries from the Philippines. Synod 2023 expressed approval of this decision for these reasons:
"a. Since the PRCP has become more established, they want to carry out the mission work in the Philippines, rather than having our missionaries do this work. 1) The PRCP’s desire to perform their own mission work: “The testimony of the missionaries and the testimony of the recent 2023 delegation indicate that the PRCP desire to perform their own domestic mission work within the Philippines and do not desire the assistance of the PRCA in their mission work” (Agenda, p. 264). 2) At this time, SNO is not a viable mission field for our missionaries. Due to the presence of a dangerous communist group in SNO, it would not be safe for our missionaries to live there. In addition, the PRCP desire to take over this work in the future. 3) The impact of this for the missionaries: “The missionaries are no longer fulfilling many aspects of their mandate and call as missionaries” (Agenda, p. 264). Instead, the missionaries are now functioning more as visiting ministers by providing pulpit supply, teaching catechism, leading Bible studies, and helping the Classis periodically. This was not the reason they were called to the Philippines as missionaries.
b. The PRCP no longer intend to utilize the missionaries to provide seminary instruction to their prospective ministers. 1) Providing seminary instruction had become the primary work of the missionaries due to developments on the mission field. 2) However, the one student who was receiving instruction from the missionaries is no longer enrolled. In addition, the PRCP has made known their desire to utilize our denominational seminary moving forward. The Classis of PRCP wrote: “We are pondering now to send our future students in [sic] the PRTS in MI, USA [the Lord willing] just like what the Berean PRC did with Rev. Ibe ten years or so ago. The advantages we think outweigh the disadvantages” (Agenda, p. 286) 3) Thus, this important aspect of the work of the missionaries is no longer desired.
c. Doon PRC and the FMC have the calling to determine whether the missionary’s work should be continued. “During the initial term of service and subsequently, the calling church and the denominational mission committee shall regularly evaluate the missionary’s labors, primarily to help him develop the gifts necessary for mission work, and secondarily to determine whether the missionary’s work should be continued” (“Constitution of the Foreign Mission Committee,” VI.D.2; emphasis added).
d. A decision regarding the withdrawal of both missionaries from the field follows our normative practice of sending missionaries two by two into this particular field of labor (cf. Acts of Synod 2008, articles 57-58; Acts of Synod 2009, articles 35-37)."
Preparations and plans have been made, and also have been implemented, for our staggered withdrawal from the Philippines.
In addition to its approval that our missionaries be withdrawn from the Philippines, Synod 2023 directed "the Doon council and the FMC to close the mission field in the Philippines and take the necessary steps to bring the work to completion." Here are the Synod's reasons:
"a. Since the PRCP has become more established, they want to carry out the mission work in the Philippines, rather than having our missionaries do this work. 1) The PRCP’s desire to perform their own mission work: “The testimony of the missionaries and the testimony of the recent 2023 delegation indicate that the PRCP desire to perform their own domestic mission work within the Philippines and do not desire the assistance of the PRCA in their mission work.” (Agenda, p. 264) 2) At this time, SNO is not a viable mission field for our missionaries. Due to the presence of a dangerous communist group in SNO, it would not be safe for our missionaries to live there. In addition, the PRCP desire to take over this work in the future. 3) The impact of this for the missionaries: “The missionaries are no longer fulfilling many aspects of their mandate and call as missionaries” (Agenda, p. 264). Instead, the missionaries are now functioning more as visiting ministers by providing pulpit supply, teaching catechism, leading Bible studies, and helping the Classis periodically. This was not the reason they were called to the Philippines as missionaries.
b. The PRCP no longer intend to utilize the missionaries to provide seminary instruction to their prospective ministers. 1) Providing seminary instruction had become the primary work of the missionaries due to developments on the mission field. 2) However, the one student who was receiving nstruction from the missionaries is no longer enrolled. In addition, the PRCP has made known their desire to utilize our denominational seminary moving forward. The Classis of PRCP wrote: “We are pondering now to send our future students in [sic] the PRTS in MI, USA [the Lord willing] just like what the Berean PRC did with Rev. Ibe ten years or so ago. The advantages we think outweigh the disadvantages.” (Agenda, p. 286) 3) Thus, this important aspect of the work of themissionaries is no longer desired.
c. There are still necessary steps that must be taken tobring the work to completion. These steps include, but are not limited to, ensuring that the ongoing work of the missionaries is properly transferred to the PRCP and determining who will manage the Philippine Book Fund (both inventory and funds) as well as the mission fieldwebsite."
According to this synodical decision, our foreign mission work in the Philippines is being brought to a fitting and brotherly conclusion.
We spent the latter half of April and most of May selling and disbursing our household possessions. What we wanted to keep (books and some household possessions), we put into 10 shipping boxes (20" x 20" x 20"). We expect that these things will arrive in Hudsonville, MI, by late July.
After our farewells in May to the PRCP congregations and our brethren in southern Negros Occidental, and after graduations at Faith Academy on June 2, we departed from Manila and travelled on a direct flight to Vancouver, B.C., Canada, on Monday, June 5. We spent a week in the Lynden, WA, area so that we could visit family and so that I could provide pulpit supply to the Lynden congregation on June 11. We arrived in Hudsonville, MI, on June 14, where we will remain in our interim housing during the summer months with our older children and siblings as we wait for the Lord to provide for me a place of labor in our churches in His good time.
Rev. and Mrs. Kleyn are currently doing the work of downsizing, selling items, and packing their remaining belongings and books.
Rev. Kleyn is preaching three Sundays a month in the vacant Provident PRC and one Sunday in Provident's outreach work in Guiguinto, Bulacan. He is teaching Provident's two catechism classes and leading its Wednesday Night Bible Study, which currently meets twice a month and is continuing its study in Acts.
The Kleyns are expected to depart from the Philippines in about mid-September, the Lord willing.
For the brotherly closure of the mission work, a delegation from the Doon Council and FMC is being planned for a visit in the Philippines from July 21 to 31. This visit is intended to provide fellowship for the Kleyns, but it is also intended by the Doon Council and the FMC to express a formal and fitting "farewell" to our fellow saints in the PRCP and SNO. Mr. Jim Regnerus (Doon) and Mr. Brian Gritters (FMC) will serve on this delegation, and be accompanied by their wives and some of their daughters.
Rev. Kleyn recently (June 19-20) travelled to SNO with Rev. V. Ibe, Elder Sonny Umali, and Elder Alann Penaverde in order to introduce the delegation of PRCP with the five pastors and several elders of the SNO congregations (Inayauan, Si-alay, Canturay, Maricalum (Sipalay), and Hinobaan). According to Rev. Kleyn's report, this visit seemed to be a good start to the transition of the work in SNO to the PRCP churches.
The Contact Committee of the PRCP is currently working with the Contact Committee of the PRCA regarding pulpit supply needs in the latter part of 2023 and beyond. This possible pulpit supply for the two PRCP churches is very helpful since only Berean PRCis served by Rev. Vernon Ibe, while Provident PRC remains vacant. We pray that the Lord will also grant seminary students to the PRCP, and through their seminary training, faithful pastors. We commend the PRCP to the grace and Word of our God.
Synod 2023 thanked the current and former missionaries (Revs. A. Spriensma, D. Holstege, R. Smit, and D. Kleyn) as well as their wives and families for their selfless and dedicated labors over the years in the Philippines. In expressing thanks for the fruit that the Lord brought through our laborers, Synod echoed Scripture: “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)
Synod also thanked the FMC and the Doon PRC for their diligent labors for the past 22 years in the Philippines. We, too, express our sincere thanks for their faithful and persevering labors.
We also pray that the Lord in His mercy will guide our churches soon into another foreign field of labor in the areas, as designated by Synod, under the oversight of the FMC: Mexico, The Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia (including the Middle East).
While we pray that the Lord's kingdom may come, may He grant us the grace and wisdom to be prepared for the privilege to serve Him through our calling churches and missionaries in another place in the Lord's harvest field (Mark 16:19-20).
In His Service and in Your Behalf,
Rev. Richard J. Smit and Family
Today, September 17, is the thirty-eighth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. 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.
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 listen online.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. ...O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. ...The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD. ~ Psalm 115:1-3,9, 12-13, 17-18
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Laning in Randolph PRC; Rev. J. Holstege 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!
Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI), host of last week's meeting of Classis East
Classis East: Classis East met this past Wednesday, September 13, at Trinity PRC. For a summary of the actions and decisions, visit this page.
Covenant of Grace-Spokane, WA: Loveland PRC's Council is sending a delegation of Rev. Key, Elder Robert Brands, and Deacon Matthew Miersma to visit the saints in Spokane, WA this week. The purpose of this visit is to assist with the financial and spiritual needs of the remaining members and to evaluate the situation there as our council is providing spiritual oversight to Covenant of Grace at this time.
Reformed Doctrines Class: A new season of instruction in Prof. D. Engelsma’s Reformed Doctrines Class will begin on Wednesday, September 27 at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI), God willing. The class meets from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. The first class will treat of the creation and rebellious fall of Lucifer and a host of angels with him. It will consider the question, whether we take the devil and his demons seriously enough in the struggle of our Christian life. The class meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to attend.
Classis West: Classis West will hold its next regular meeting in Crete PRC (IL) on Wednesday, September 27.
Crete PRC will be hosting an officebearers' conference on Tuesday afternoon, September 26. The theme of the conference is “Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response.” The first speech will be given at 1:00 by Prof. C. Griess on the topic of “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse.” The second speech will be given at 2:30 by Prof. R. Dykstra on the topic “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” There will also be a round table discussion after the second speech. The round table discussion will center around the theme of the conference “Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response” and will be for officebearers only. Visitors are welcome to attend the speeches.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
Lunch on the patio behind seminary this past Friday included some guests once again
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!
In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here.
Do You Know the True God? (1)
Do you know the true God? Not the god of man’s imagination, but the God of the Bible? This is an important question, because Jesus teaches us that eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). If you are to live with God forever in heaven, you must know Him.
If you are interested in knowing the true God, please consider the following.(1) The True God
1. The true God is very great and glorious. He is so high and holy that nothing in all the world is like Him. He is the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, unchangeable God (Ps. 113:4-6).
2. The true God is the Creator of the world. In six days, He created the heaven and earth and all that they contain. God also created you (Gen. 1).
3. The true God is the Sustainer of the world. He upholds every creature by His almighty power. He gives you life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25, 28).
4. The true God is the Absolute Ruler of the world. He brings to pass His eternal will by His almighty power. God is your Ruler and King (Dan. 4:34-35).
Taken from one of this month's featured resources
Classis East of the Protestant Reformed Churches Update
Classis East convened Wednesday morning, September 13, 2023 at Trinity Protestant Reformed Church. Rev. M. McGeown opened with prayer and read the names of the thirty-eight delegates from the nineteen member churches. After the roll call, Rev. David Noorman assumed the position as chairman of the meeting (photo below).
Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma (photos below with his wife Mary) submitted a request to classis for emeritation (retirement) to be effective January 1, 2024. Classis approved his request and by motion expressed its heartfelt thanks to Rev. Bruinsma (and his wife Mary) for making faithful use of his God-given talents for almost 45 years as pastor and missionary. Classis sang the doxology and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for the work of Rev. Bruinsma led by Rev. Eriks. We pray that God will bless Rev. and Mary Bruinsma in their remaining months in the active ministry and that He will continue to use them for service in the church in new ways in the years to come.
Classis adopted a pulpit supply schedule for three vacant congregations: Georgetown, Hudsonville, and Zion PRCs.
Classis treated an appeal Mr. Pete VanderSchaaf and declared it legal. Therefore this appeal is now available for non-officebearers to read. For more information login to prca.org and navigate to the bulletin page where you will find a folder for Classis East. When you open the Classis East folder you should be able to open the appeal under the name “Appeal of Pete VDS Sept 2023.” Due to the complexity of this case, Classis East decided to give the committee of pre-advice a month to prepare its advice. Classis will reconvene October 25 to consider the appeal. We pray for God’s blessing on the committee in their work.
Some of the work of classis was treated in closed session.
At around 5:00pm classis approved a motion to “recess until October 25.” Rev. Noorman read Hebrews 13:20-21 and closed the session with prayer.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. C. Spronk, Stated Clerk
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Report of the continued session of October 25, 2023
Classis East reconvened on Wednesday, October 25, with the 38 delegates meeting at Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Rev. Noorman continued to lead the meeting as chairman.
Classis East heard reports from two committees (a special committee to help a consistory with an abuse case, and the Classical Committee). The main work of the classis was to treat an appeal that contended that a consistory erred in judgments made about the writings of one of our ministers. One of the decisions of classis requires that the consistory involved give information to its congregation. To give the consistory some time to receive and respond to the decisions of Classis East, the Stated Clerk of Classis East plans to wait awhile before publishing the information publicly. When it is time to make the information available, it will be published at prca.org.
The expenses of the meeting totaled $4,891.36.
Classis East plans to meet again on January 10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI.
At around 2:00pm classis adjourned and Rev. Noorman closed the meeting with prayer.
For the public minutes, click on this link.
Classis East
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Classis West
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