On this third Lord's Day of 2018, January 21, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Candidate David Noorman is considering the call from SW PRC (Wyoming, MI - received Dec.17). He is due to answer by January 28.
  
• On January 14 the Council of Calvary PRC announced a new trio from which to call a new pastor: Revs. B. Huizinga, J. Mahtani, and Cand. D. Noorman. The congregation will vote from this trio this morning. *Update: Rev. B. Huizinga has received this call.
• In December of last year Rev. K. Koole celebrated 40 years in the ministry in the PRC. He was ordained in December of 1977 and has served the PRC congregations of Randolph, WI, Hope (Redlands, CA), Faith, and Grandville. Tonight the Grandville congregation will hold a special "cake and coffee social" to commorate this significant milestone. We congratulate Rev. Koole and his wife Pat and thank God for their years of service in the PRC. May the Lord continue to uphold them and use them for the good of His church.
• With many officebearer installations taking place, our elders and deacons are reminded of the resources available to them on this special section of the PRC website.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Classis East met on January 10 at Hudsonville PRC. The stated clerk has now submitted his official report the work done and decision reached. That may be found on this Classis East webpage.
• ADVICE FOR ELDERS ON FAMILY VISITATION:  If you missed Prof. B. Gritters' speech on Family Visiting this past Tuesday (Jan.9) at Hudsonville PRC (Classis East Officebearers’ Conference), the audio version has now been posted on Hudsonville PRC's Sermonaudio channel.
• From the PRC Seminary comes this January news:
  • Second semester classes begin for the seminary this Tuesday, January 23 (see the link above for that schedule).  If anyone would like to audit classes, the following classes are offered to auditors:  Reformed Symbols (discusses the nature of confessions and includes a treatment of the Lord's Days/Articles of both the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession); Dogmatics (Anthropology); and New Testament History (Passion week through the ministry of the apostle Paul).  If you are interested in attending, please call the seminary (531-1490) tomorrow to find out day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
  • The seminary’s interim course this year is now completed. Prof. R. Cammenga taught his special course on “The Theology of John Calvin.”  If you would like to watch/listen to the videos of this course, they are posted on the Seminary's main page.
  • The latest issue of the PR Theological Journal (Fall 2017) is now available in print form and in three (3) digital forms. Visit the Seminary's Journal page to download the digital editions and contact the Seminary if you would like to receive a print copy. At the Journal page you may also find all the back issues as well as an index to past issues.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be reported:
  • Cand. D. Noorman and his wife returned home from Singapore this past week. Rev. A. denHartog and his wife will be leaving this week to serve this congregation for an extended time, as requested by the PRC Contact Committee. The den Hartog's are planning to be in Singapore at least until after this year's Synod makes a decision on the CERCS calling a minister-on-loan from our denomination.
  • Her latest newsletter (December 2017) may be found on this page.
• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  • Her latest newsletter was received and posted in December of 2017. You may find that on this page. And don't forget her other publication - Covenant Reformed News! That latest issue may be found here.
  • The annual church-visitation delegation from the PRC to the CPRC is now in N. Ireland.  Rev. N. Decker and Sid Meidema (PRC Contact Committee) left this past week to conduct church visitation with the council of our sister congregation, the Covenant PRC of Ballymena and visit the Limerick Reformed Fellowship. Rev. Decker will also be preaching and lecturing while there. Rev. Decker and Mr. Miedema will be gone for two Sundays and be returning on Monday, January 29, the Lord willing.
    
  • Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2018 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Hebron Hall in South Wales from Saturday, July 21, to Saturday, July 28. Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "The Reformed Family—According to the Word of God." More information and booking forms are available at http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Save the Date: The dates for the 2018 Family Conference have been finalized! First PRC in Edmonton, AB plans to host the conference July 20-22, 2018 D.V. Hear from our speakers: Rev. B. Huizinga, N. Langerak and J. Marcus on the topic of 'Seeking The Lord'. Mark your calendars and plan to attend what promises to be a spiritually encouraging time of growth and fellowship with saints from Canada and abroad, as well as an opportunity to see some of the beauty that God has created here in Canada. For more information or to register, please visit our website https://edmontonfamilyconf.wixsite.com/conference2018, or contact Scott Ferguson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Rev. Martyn McGeown, missionary-pastor of Limerick Reformed Fellowship, was interviewed by Christopher Arnzen on his radio program, “Iron Sharpens Iron”, on Friday, January 5. The subject for this interview was Rev. McGeown’s recent book, Called to Watch for Christ’s Return. If you missed the live program, you may still listen to the mp3 recording of it found on the Covenant PRC website.
   
• Are you a Standard Bearer subscriber? Why not begin the new year by becoming one and feeding your soul with solid Reformed and biblical articles in 2018 and beyond!

• Reformed Book Outlet: The January 2018 newsletter notes that you may find many devotional books for the new year and that officebearers may find many resources for their work (cf. attached pdf.).

• THE HOPE HERALDS 2017 CD ENTITLED, “OUR GOD IS GOD” is available for $10 in the main offices of Covenant Chr. High School and Heritage Christian School and also at the Reformed Book Outlet and the PR Seminary bookstore. If you are not able to pick up your copy at any of these locations, please call or text Karen Daling (616-662-0784) or Dan VanDyke (616-610-3276) and we will mail the CD for $12. Thank you!
• Psalm Choir - The latest CD, Volume 20, ‘Sweet Refreshment’ is now available. There are over 25 selections from the past two seasons.  Please visit the website www.psalmchoir.com to order.

• Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. W. Bruinsma is "Arming Ourselves for Christ's Return" (2), based on 1 Thess. 5:8-10.
  
  • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 
Rev. D. Kleyn teaching pastors in Sipalay, Negros (cf. note below)

 MISSION NEWS:

• From Georgetown PRC's bulletin we learn about the current delegation to Vellore, India: "Pastor and Mary Haak and Bruce and Cherie Jabaay [arrived safely this past Wednesday, Jan.17] for a three week visit to the PRCV of India. They hope to continue the work of our previous delegation, i.e.; meeting with the Tamil and English Church, assisting in the Sola Gratia Program, working with the GFH, visiting with members of the church and the Consistory of the PRCV, teaching and preaching, etc. While we would have liked to arrange for one delegation to spend a few months time with the PRCV, due to the current opposition toward Christianity is was deemed to send another delegation for a shorter period of time. Pray for the Lord’s blessing. You will be able to follow their visit on our church face book page and via congregational email updates."
• The last Philippines mission newsletter is dated November 2017 and may be found on this PRC webpage.
• The December 2017 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.

• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Maranatha PRC and the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Provident CC: 

    • Rev. Holstege will preach in the first service today and Rev. Kleyn in the second. Church Order class will meet after the first service. We will consider Articles 44ff. Next Sunday, Lord willing, Rev. Holstege will preach for PCC.

    • The Kleyns will travel to Negros this week to instruct the pastors in Sipalay. May the Lord prosper their trip.

  • Maranatha PRC:

    • Today, our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead our first and second services He will lead, the Bible Study on the Book of Revelation, Lesson # 44.

    • Next week Rev. D. Kleyn will lead us in both services and conduct the Lesson, “Role of the Officer Bearers.

• Let us remember and continue to lift up the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful in all their labors.
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The stated clerk of Classis East submits the following official report on the recent meeting of Classis East:

Classis East Report – January 10, 2018

Classis East met on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Hudsonville PRC. By rotation Rev. J. Smidstra would have been the chairman of this meeting. Due to some weighty matters and the fact that this would be his first Classis meeting as a delegate, he requested of the Classical committee that he step aside as chairman of this meeting. The Classical committee brought this request as well as a recommendation that Rev. R. Van Overloop chair this meeting. Both recommendations were approved by Classis.

Routine matters such as reports from the stated clerk, classical committee, and church visitors were reported. The church visitors reported on their visits with the congregations of Classis East. They used the theme of “Ministering Righteousness in the Congregation” based on Nehemiah 5. They report that “We are thankful that the congregations within our Classis are doing well. The councils reported that there is peace, love, and unity present within their congregations.”

Classis considered three appeals and one overture. Two of the appeals dealt with discipline in two different congregations. In both cases these were decided to be not legally before Classis based on the fact that Articles 30 and 31 were not satisfied, that is, the matters were not finished in the minor assemblies. The remaining appeal was declared legally before Classis and assigned a committee of three ministers and three elders. That committee will bring their recommendation to a special meeting of Classis East on February 28, 2018. The overture was brought by an individual recommending that, prior to the meeting of classis, materials only be distributed to active council members and clergy of the PRC. After much deliberation this overture was adopted.

Classis at its January meeting elects delegates for Synod. Elected were the following: MINISTERS: Primi: Revs. G. Eriks, C. Haak, W. Langerak, C. Spronk, and R. Van Overloop, Secundi: H. Bleyenberg, W. Bruinsma, N. Decker, K. Koole, A. Lanning.  ELDERS: Primi: Pete Adams, Gary Kaptein, Jim Lanting, Howard Pastoor, Pete Vander Schaaf. Secundi: Bruce Jabaay, Larry Koole, Harlow Kuiper, Joel Minderhoud, and Dave Rau

In other voting for delegates ad examina, Rev. M. DeVries was elected as primus and Rev. N. Decker as secundus delegate. Both were for three-year terms. Rev. C. Spronk was elected for two-year term as secundus to replace Rev. R. Smit. Rev. J. Slopsema and Rev. K. Koole were elected as church visitors for 2018. Rev. A. Lanning and Rev. R. Van Overloop will serve as alternates. Rev. W. Langerak was elected to another three-year term to the classical committee.

Classis approved a 2018 subsidy request from Providence PRC ($30,000). 2019 Subsidy requests were approved for Pittsburgh PRC ($109,000), Providence PRC ($30,000), Wingham PRC ($36,000 – CAD). Expenses for Classis amounted to $1,160.24. Classis will reconvene at Hudsonville PRC on February 28. The May Classis meeting will be held on May 9, 2018 at Faith PRC.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Boverhof, Stated Clerk

On this second Lord's Day of 2018, January 14, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On Sunday January 7, Rev. C. Griess (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA) announced his acceptance of the call from First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI. According to their respective bulletins, Rev. Griess plans to preach his farewell in Calvary on Jan.28 and move to Grand Rapids that week. Because of a previous commitment to the Philippine mission in February (annual visit of the Foreign Mission Committee), he will not be installed in First until March 4, D.V. May the Lord oversee for good all these plans and preparations.
• Candidate David Noorman is considering the call from SW PRC (Wyoming, MI - received Dec.17). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
  
• The Council of Calvary PRC announces a new trio of Revs. B. Huizinga, J. Mahtani, and Cand. D. Noorman.
• With many officebearer installations taking place, our elders and deacons are reminded of the resources available to them on this special section of the PRC website.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• CLASSIS EAST Meeting this week:
  • Classis East met this week Wednesday at Hudsonville PRC. The following is an unofficial summary of the work done and decision reached (look for the stated clerk's official report soon):
    
    

    Two appeals were not treated because classis judged that the matter was not finished in the consistory. Another appeal was given to a committee of six men who will report to a continuing meeting of this classis on February 28. Classis adopted an overture to limit the distribution of the agendas of classical meetings to current council members. The church visitors gave a favorable report of their work in 2017. Rev. Slopsema and Rev. Koole were chosen to be church visitors in 2018. Elected to represent Classis East at Synod 2018 were: Revs. Eriks, Haak, Langerak, Spronk, and Van Overloop; Elders Pete Adams, Gary Kaptein, James Lanting, Howard Pastoor, and Pete VanderSchaaf. Three subsidy requests were sent with approval to Synod 2018.

    
    ADVICE FOR ELDERS ON FAMILY VISITATION:  If you missed Prof. B. Gritters' speech on Family Visiting this past Tuesday (Jan.9) at Hudsonville PRC (Classis East Officebearers’ Conference), the audio version has now been posted on Hudsonville PRC's Sermonaudio channel.

From the PRC Seminary comes this January news:

• The Seminary has completed its two-week holiday break and is now holding its 8-day Interim course (cf. note below). Second semester will begin on Tuesday, Jan.23. That schedule may be found on the seminary's homepage (cf. link above).
• Interim Course: The seminary’s interim course this year is “The Theology of John Calvin” and is being taught by Prof. R. Cammenga.  Classes will meet from Monday, January 8, 2018 through Wednesday, January 17, 2018, in the morning, 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. If you would like to watch/listen to the videos of this course, they are being posted daily on the Seminary's main page.
• Second semester classes begin for the seminary on January 23.  If anyone would like to audit classes, the following classes are offered to auditors:  Reformed Symbols (discusses the nature of confessions and includes a treatment of the Lord's Days/Articles of both the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession); Dogmatics (Anthropology); and New Testament History (Passion week through the ministry of the apostle Paul).  If you are interested in attending, please call the seminary (531-1490) tomorrow to find out day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
• The latest issue of the PR Theological Journal (Fall 2017) is now available in print form and in three (3) digital forms. Visit the Seminary's Journal page to download the digital editions and contact the Seminary if you would like to receive a print copy. At the Journal page you may also find all the back issues as well as an index to past issues.

 SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be noted:
  
  • Candidate David Noorman and his wife are finishing today their service in the ERCS following the recent departure of the Lannings for his new charge in Byron Center PRC. Rev. A. Lanning plans to be back in Singapore this week for a wedding and to preach for them.
    
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife will be serving this congregation for an extended time, as requested by the PRC Contact Committee. The den Hartog's are planning to be in Singapore at least until after this year's Synod makes a decision on the CERCS calling a minister-on-loan from our denomination.
• The latest newsletter from our sister church, Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland, was received and posted recently (for Dec. 2017). You may find that on this page.
• This note found in Trinity PRC's bulletin concerns the annual delegation from the PRC to the CPRC: "This Wednesday, Rev. Decker will be traveling with Sid Meidema to Northern Ireland as a delegation of the Contact Committee. The primary purpose of the visit is to conduct church visitation with the council of our sister congregation, the Covenant PRC of Ballymena and visit the Limerick Reformed Fellowship.  Rev. Decker [and Mr. Miedema] will be gone for two Sundays and be returning on Monday, January 29, the Lord willing."
  
• Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2018 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Hebron Hall in South Wales from Saturday, July 21, to Saturday, July 28. Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "The Reformed Family—According to the Word of God." More information and booking forms are available at http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Rev. Martyn McGeown, missionary-pastor of Limerick Reformed Fellowship, was interviewed by Christopher Arnzen on his radio program, “Iron Sharpens Iron”, on Friday, January 5. The subject for this interview was Rev. McGeown’s recent book, Called to Watch for Christ’s Return. If you missed the live program, you may still listen to the mp3 recording of it found on the Covenant PRC website.
   
• Are you a Standard Bearer subscriber? Why not begin the new year by becoming one and feeding your soul with solid Reformed and biblical articles in 2018 and beyond!

• Reformed Book Outlet: The January 2018 newsletter notes that you may find many devotional books for the new year and that officebearers may find many resources for their work (cf. attached pdf.).

• THE HOPE HERALDS 2017 CD ENTITLED, “OUR GOD IS GOD” is available for $10 in the main offices of Covenant Chr. High School and Heritage Christian School and also at the Reformed Book Outlet and the PR Seminary bookstore. If you are not able to pick up your copy at any of these locations, please call or text Karen Daling (616-662-0784) or Dan VanDyke (616-610-3276) and we will mail the CD for $12. Thank you!
• Psalm Choir - The latest CD, Volume 20, ‘Sweet Refreshment’ is now available. There are over 25 selections from the past two seasons.  Please visit the website www.psalmchoir.com to order.

• Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. W. Bruinsma is "Arming Ourselves for Christ's Return" (1), based on 1 Thess. 5:8-10.
  
  • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 MISSION NEWS:

• From Georgetown PRC's bulletin we learn about an upcoming trip of a delegation to Vellore, India: "Pastor and Mary Haak and Bruce and Cherie Jabaay plan to leave this Wednesday afternoon [Jan.17] for a three week visit to the PRCV of India. They hope to continue the work of our previous delegation, i.e.; meeting with the Tamil and English Church, assisting in the Sola Gratia Program, working with the GFH, visiting with members of the church and the Consistory of the PRCV, teaching and preaching, etc. While we would have liked to arrange for one delegation to spend a few months time with the PRCV, due to the current opposition toward Christianity is was deemed to send another delegation for a shorter period of time. Pray for the Lord’s blessing. You will be able to follow their visit on our church face book page and via congregational email updates."
• The last Philippines mission newsletter is dated November 2017 and may be found on this PRC webpage.
• The December 2017 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.

• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Maranatha PRC and the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Provident CC: 

    • Rev. Smit will preach both times today. Rev. Holstege is preaching in the PRC of Bulacan today. Rev. Holstege will preach both times for PCC next Sunday, Lord willing.

    • Family visitation will continue today and this Wednesday [Rev. Holstege is participating in these.]. Please see the schedule on the bulletin board to know when your family will be visited.

  • Maranatha PRC:

    • Today, our Missionary, Rev. D. Kleyn will lead the first and second services. Rev. Kleyn will begin teaching a class today concerning the special offices of Elder and Deacon in the church. Today’s topic will be: “Desiring to be an Office-bearer."

    • Today, Rev. L. Trinidad will conduct the Children Catechism.
    • The Church Visitation in MPRC is scheduled for Sunday January 14, 2018.

• Let us remember and continue to lift up the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful in all their labors.
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On this first Lord's Day of 2018, January 7, we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Rev. C. Griess (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA) is considering the call from First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI (received Dec.14). He plans to answer TODAY. *UPDATE: It was announced this morning that Rev.Griess has ACCEPTED this call.
  
• Candidate David Noorman is considering the call from SW PRC (Wyoming, MI - received Dec.17). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
  
• With many officebearer installations taking place, our elders and deacons are reminded of the resources available to them on this special section of the PRC website.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• CLASSIS EAST Meeting this week:
  • Classis East will meet this week Wednesday, 8 A.M., at Hudsonville PRC. [This note appears in one PRC bulletin] "The agenda is full and weighty issues will be dealt with from a number of our sister congregations. Voting for Synodical delegates will take place as well as other standing Committees of Classis. Pray that the Lord grant wisdom to the Classis that our congregations be preserved in the peace, unity, and love of the Lord."
  • ADVICE FOR ELDERS ON FAMILY VISITATION:  Hudsonville PRC is hosting this winter’s Classis East Officebearers’ Conference Tuesday, January 9, at 7:30PM.  Prof. B. Gritters will speak on our practice of Family Visitation.  We want to keep this beloved practice as our Church Order requires, but how will we do it most profitably for all our homes?   After explaining the important principles of family visitation, Prof. Gritters will address questions like:  Should there be a theme or special topic each year?  What is the difference between family visitation and a Bible study?  How much should elders speak and how much should they listen?  How to ask questions so that the people speak?  At the end of the speech, there will be time for questions and discussion.   Everyone is welcome, both officebearers and members. The speech will also be live-streamed on Hudsonville PRC's website.

From the PRC Seminary comes this January news:

• The Seminary has completed its two-week holiday break and will now hold its 8-day Interim course (cf. note below). Second semester will begin on Tuesday, Jan.23. That schedule may be found on the seminary's homepage (cf. link above).
• Interim Course: The seminary’s interim course this year will be “The Theology of John Calvin” and will be taught by Prof. R. Cammenga.  Classes will meet from Monday, January 8, 2018 through Wednesday, January 17, 2018, in the morning, 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.  Any who are interested in attending are welcome.  Please call the seminary (531-1490) before January 5 so that your name can be added to the class list.
• The latest issue of the PR Theological Journal (Fall 2017) is now available in print form and in three (3) digital forms. Visit the Seminary's Journal page to download the digital editions and contact the Seminary if you would like to receive a print copy. At the Journal page you may also find all the back issues as well as an index to past issues.

 SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we have this news:
  • Candidate David Noorman and his wife are serving the ERCS for three Sundays following the recent departure of the Lannings for his new charge in Byron Center PRC.
    
  • Following Cand. Noorman's work there, Rev. A. denHartog and his wife will be there for an extended time, as requested by the PRC Contact Committee. The den Hartog's are planning to be in Singapore at least until after this year's Synod makes a decision on the CERCS calling a minister-on-loan from our denomination.
• The latest newsletter from our sister church, Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland, was received and posted recently (for Dec. 2017). You may find that on this page.
  

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Rev. Martyn McGeown, missionary-pastor of Limerick Reformed Fellowship, was interviewed by Christopher Arnzen on his radio program, “Iron Sharpens Iron”, this past Friday, January 5. The subject for this interview was Rev. McGeown’s recent book, Called to Watch for Christ’s Return. If you missed the live program, you may still listen to the mp3 recording of it found on the Covenant PRC website.
   
• Are you a Standard Bearer subscriber? Why not begin the new year by becoming one and feeding your soul with solid Reformed and biblical articles in 2018 and beyond!

• Reformed Book Outlet: The January 2018 newsletter notes that you may find many devotional books for the new year and that officebearers may find many resources for their work (cf. attached pdf.).

• THE HOPE HERALDS 2017 CD ENTITLED, “OUR GOD IS GOD” is available for $10 in the main offices of Covenant Chr. High School and Heritage Christian School and also at the Reformed Book Outlet and the PR Seminary bookstore. If you are not able to pick up your copy at any of these locations, please call or text Karen Daling (616-662-0784) or Dan VanDyke (616-610-3276) and we will mail the CD for $12. Thank you!

• Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. W. Bruinsma is a special New year's one, titled "Confidence in Christ's Coming," based on Hebrews 10:35-37.
  
  • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 MISSION NEWS:

• From Georgetown PRC's bulletin we learn about an upcoming trip of a delegation to Vellore, India: "Pastor and Mary Haak and Bruce and Cherie Jabaay plan to leave on January 17 for a three week visit to the PRCV of India. They hope to continue the work of our previous delegation, i.e. meeting with the Tamil and English Church, assisting in the Sola Gratia Program, working with the GFH, visiting with members of the church and the Consistory of the PRCV, teaching and preaching, etc. While we would have liked to arrange for one delegation to spend a few months time with the PRCV, due to the current opposition toward Christianity it was deemed [better] to send another delegation for a shorter period of time. Pray for the Lord’s blessing."
• The last Philippines mission newsletter is dated November 2017 and may be found on this PRC webpage.
• The December 2017 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently. You may find that on this page.

• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Maranatha PRC and the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Provident CC: 

    • Rev. Holstege will preach both times today. Next Sunday, Lord willing, Rev. Smit will preach for PCC while Rev. Holstege preaches in the PRC of Bulacan.

    • The Wednesday night Bible study will begin again this week, January 10 at 8:00 pm. We will begin a study of Matthew 24-25. Please be prepared to discuss the Word of God together. Recommended reading is the new book by Rev. Martyn McGeown entitled Called to Watch for Christ’s Return, a commentary on Matthew 24-25. You can get this book from the bookstore in the Kleyns’ house. All are warmly invited to come to Bible study.

  • Maranatha PRC:

    • Today, our Pastor, Rev. L. Trinidad will lead our first service and in our second service our Missionary, Rev. R. Smit will give a message re on “True Thanksgiving” then to be followed by luncheon fellowship and also our Buenvenida for the Smit’s family.

    • The Church Visitation in MPRC is scheduled for Sunday January 14, 2018.

• Let us remember and continue to lift up the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful in all their labors.
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First PRC of Grand Rapids, MI and the Reformed Witness Hour Committee announce the messages scheduled for January 2018 on the RWH radio program.

Rev. Bill Bruinsma, pastor of Pittsburgh PRC (Pennsylvania), completes his four-month service for the RWH program, as he gives a special New Year's message and finishes a series on Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians (cf. schedule of messages below).

January 7 - Confidence in Christ's Coming, Hebrews 10:35-37

January 14 - Arming Ourselves for Christ's Return (1), 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10

January 21 - Arming Ourselves for Christ's Return (2), 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10

January 28 - Wholly Sanctified, 1 Thessalonians 5:23

You are encouraged to listen to these important messages and to let others know about them too. Help spread the word about the Reformed Witness Hour, now in its 77th year of broadcasting the truths of God's sovereign, particular, efficacious grace!

Use the attached flyer (pdf) to spread the news of these important gospel messages!

On this Old Year's Lord's Day of December 31, 2017 we note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Rev. C. Griess (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA) is considering the call from First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI (received Dec.14). He plans to answer by Jan.7.
  
• Candidate David Noorman is considering the call from SW PRC (Wyoming, MI - received Dec.17). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
  
• Rev. A. Lanning and his wife Stephanie and children arrived safely in West Michigan this past week from Singapore. He is to be installed this morning in Byron Center PRC.
  
• From Loveland PRC's bulletin we learn that Candidate Jonathan Langerak is filling her pulpit through New Year's Day while Rev. S. Key is away.
• With many officebearer installations taking place, our elders and deacons are reminded of the resources available to them on this special section of the PRC website.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

From the PRC Seminary comes this Dec./Jan. news:

• The Seminary finished its first semester and week of exams on Dec.22 and will now enjoy a two-week break over the holidays. The Seminary will still be open daily (except on Christmas and New year's) and staff will be present to assist you with any needs, including in the office, bookstore, and library.
• Interim Course: The seminary’s interim course this year will be “The Theology of John Calvin” and will be taught by Prof. R. Cammenga.  Classes will meet from Monday, January 8, 2018 through Wednesday, January 17, 2018, in the morning, 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.  Any who are interested in attending are welcome.  Please call the seminary (531-1490) before January 5 so that your name can be added to the class list.
• The latest issue of the PR Theological Journal (Fall 2017) is now available in print form and in three (3) digital forms. Visit the Seminary's Journal page to download the digital editions and contact the Seminary if you would like to receive a print copy. At the Journal page you may also find all the back issues as well as an index to past issues.

 SISTER-CHURCH NEWS

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we have this news:
  • Cand. David Noorman and his wife are serving the ERCS for three Sundays following the departure of the Lannings this past week.
  • Following Cand. Noorman's work there, Rev. A. denHartog and his wife will be there for an extended time, as requested by the PRC Contact Committee. SW PRC had this note in their bulletin of Dec.17 concerning this: "Pastor den Hartog has been asked by the Contact Committee of our denomination to serve our sister church in Singapore (the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church of Singapore) for an extended period. CERCS will be without its own pastor after Rev. Andrew Lanning leaves this month to take up a call to Byron Center Protestant Reformed Church. The den Hartog's are planning to be in Singapore at least until after our synod of June, 2018, makes a decision on the CERCS calling a minister-on-loan, the Lord willing, from our denomination to become their new pastor. Let us pray for the Lannings, Covenant Church, and the den Hartog’s during this time."
• The latest newsletter from our sister church, Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland, was received and posted recently (for Dec. 2017). You may find that on this page.
  

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Rev. Martyn McGeown, missionary-pastor of Limerick Reformed Fellowship, will be interviewed by Christopher Arnzen on his radio program, “Iron Sharpens Iron”, on Friday, January 5 from 4-6pm EST. The subject for this interview will be Rev. McGeown’s recent book, Called to Watch for Christ’s Return. You can go to the website www.ironsharpensironradio.com and click on the livestream box to tune in and listen from any device. The program can also be listened to by phone at (563)999-9206; press #3 for Christian Radio when prompted.
• ADVICE FOR ELDERS ON FAMILY VISITATION:  Hudsonville PRC is hosting this winter’s Classis East Office Bearers’ Conference Tuesday, January 9, at 7:30PM.  Prof. B. Gritters will speak on our practice of Family Visitation.  We want to keep this beloved practice as our Church Order requires, but how will we do it most profitably for all our homes?   After explaining the important principles of family visitation, Prof. Gritters will address questions like:  Should there be a theme or special topic each year?  What is the difference between family visitation and a Bible study?  How much should elders speak and how much should they listen?  How to ask questions so that the people speak?  At the end of the speech, there will be time for questions and discussion.   Everyone is welcome, both officebearers and members. The speech will also be live-streamed on Hudsonville PRC's website.  
• Are you a Standard Bearer subscriber? Why not begin the new year by becoming one and feeding your soul with solid Reformed and biblical articles in 2018 and beyond!

• Reformed Book Outlet: The January 2018 newsletter notes that you may find many devotional books for the new year and that officebearers may find many resources for their work (cf. attached pdf.).

• NEW Psalter CD Available! The Covenant Christian High School Choirs (Grand Rapids, MI) have recently recorded their 3rd Psalm CD "Teach Me to Pray", which will be available in time for Christmas! Watch for a sign-up sheet at your church or contact the school office.
• THE HOPE HERALDS 2017 CD ENTITLED, “OUR GOD IS GOD” is available for $10 in the main offices of Covenant Chr. High School and Heritage Christian School and also at the Reformed Book Outlet and the PR Seminary bookstore. If you are not able to pick up your copy at any of these locations, please call or text Karen Daling (616-662-0784) or Dan VanDyke (616-610-3276) and we will mail the CD for $12. Thank you!

• Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. W. Bruinsma is titled "Great is Thy Faithfulness", based on Lam.3:22.
  
  • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 MISSION NEWS:

• The December 2017 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently. You may find that on this page.
• Rev.R. Smit sent the following note to the ministers this week concerning their trip to and arrival in the Philippines this past week:
  
  • Good morning, ...my family and I arrived safely at our house in Antipolo (east side of Metro Manila) on Friday morning. Our original plan to arrive on Wednesday morning was interrupted due to heavy snow on Monday morning and afternoon in Grand Rapids.  As a result, we rescheduled our departure to Wednesday, and our arrival in Manila on Friday morning was on schedule.  Kleyns and Holsteges brought us home from the airport.  We are thankful to our heavenly Father for safe travel, and the opportunity to continue our life and labour here  in the service of our Lord’s kingdom.  My family and I plan to worship tomorrow in the Berean PRC, and I was asked to provide pulpit supply there tomorrow due to the flu illness of Bro. Vernon and his family this week.  May the Lord bless your preaching labors tomorrow, and bless your labours in the new  year for the cause of Christ’s glorious kingdom.

• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Maranatha PRC and the Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  • Provident CC: 

    • Rev. Holstege will preach both times today and next Sunday, Lord willing. The second sermon today will explain our theme text for family visitation, and reflect on our calling for the new year, 2018.

    • Family visitation will begin this Wednesday. Rev. Holstege and members of the SC will visit each family of PCC at your homes.

  • Maranatha PRC:

    • Today, our Missionary, Rev. D. Kleyn will lead our first and second services and after the Second Service he will continue Articles 84-86 of the Church Order.

    • The Consistory adopted and designated that January 7, 2018 as our “Thanksgiving and Fellowship” because of the faithfulness and graciousness of our Sovereign God and also a “Buenvenida” for Rev. Smit and family. Note: This is “POTLUCK.” Let us pray for Rev. Richard and Tricia Smit and family as they prepare to travel and to serve as the Third Missionary to the Philippines.
    • After being delayed in Michigan for two days because of winter snow and ice, Rev. & Tricia Smit and their family arrived safely in the Philippines this past Friday morning. We thank God for their safe travels and safe arrival. May He bless them as they take up their life and work here again.

• Let us remember and continue to lift up the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace for all their labors.
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