This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, April 19-25, 2020

Today, April 19, is the sixteenth Lord's Day of 2020; we may note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.

In the midst of the present worldwide coronavirus crisis, may we continue to find our help and hope in our great God and Father,  Who holds His children in His hands and Who is working all things for good for the sake of Christ and His church. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. (Psalm 62:1,2)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

The Lord shall come! The Church in the early ages took up the subject as of profoundest and most pressing interest, 'looking for that blessed hope.' ...It cheered them at parting with their Lord, and it comforted them at parting with one another. It upheld them in evil days; it nerved them for warfare; it gave them patience under persecution; it animated them in their work; it kept alive their zeal; it enabled them to look calmly round upon an evil world, and to face its mustering storms; it showed them resurrection and glory, fixing their eye upon scenes beyond the deathbed and the tomb; it ever reminded them of the day of meeting, when Jesus will gather all His own together, and those who have slept in Him shall awake to glory, honor, and immortality. ~ H. Bonar

• These PRCs are live-streaming services today (and for the time being, full or partial). You are encouraged to worship with one of these congregations: Calvary PRC at 9:30 AM and 6 PM CDT;  Crete PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM CDT; Faith PRC at 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM (EST); First PRC-GR at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); First PRC-Holland at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM; Grace PRC at 9:30 AM and 5 PM EST; Hope PRC-GR at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (EST); Hope PRC-Redlands, CA at 10 AM and 5 PM (PST); Hudsonville PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM EST; Hull PRC at 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM; Loveland PRC at 9:30 AM and 6 PM MST; Lynden PRC at 10:00 AM PST; Pittsburgh PRC at 9:30 and 5 PM EST; Southeast PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM EST; Southwest PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 (EST); Trinity PRC at 9:30 and 5:00 (EST); Zion PRC at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM (EST). There are also many audio sermons that you can access on this website for your further use.
  
  
• This past week Rev. J. Mahtani received calls from Kalamazoo PRC (April 13), Hope PRC-GR (April 14), and Unity PRC (April 15). May the Lord make clear to him what His will is and where He will have him serve.
  
  
• Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC, IA) had been considering the call from First PRC, Edmonton. Today his decline of this call was announced.
  
  
• On April 5 Rev. M. McGeown (Limerick, Ireland mission) announced his acceptance of the call to Providence PRC (Hudsonville, MI). We rejoice with them in this gracious provision of a new undershepherd to lead and feed them with the Word of God.

• The Council of Grandville PRC has formed a new trio for minister on loan to Singapore: Revs. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), and R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC). At present the congregation is not able to gather for a congregational meeting to vote; when restrictions are lifted, she will.
  
  
• First PRC of Edmonton has released their pastor, Rev. John Marcus, and announce that he is now available for call within the PRC.
  

• Did you know... that
  • Rev. H. Bleyenberg has started preparing Heidelberg Catechism sermons for Immanuel PRC (whose call he accepted), even though he has been hindered from entering Canada and beginning his ministry there? This week he also plans to teach the older catechism classes by Zoom.
  • the Standard Bearer is not allowed to be printed right now, but the RFPA is making new issues available free online as they are produced. You can find the April 15 issue at https://rfpa.org/pages/the-standard-bearer

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

A little April snow fell this past Wednesday in West Michigan

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary is entering its thirteenth week of the second semester this week (only 3 left before exams). Online classes are continuing at present (see next note). Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, seminary is open only for essential operations at this time. No auditors or visitors should come until the restrictions are lifted. The staff can try to assist you with any needs, however. Call or email the seminary with your important needs.
  
  
• Due to the extended "stay-at-home" order from our governor (now through April 30), the faculty and students have switched to all online classes until the restrictions are lifted. Some classes are using previously recorded videos and receiving assignments via email, while other classes are being livestreamed using Zoom. So far this has worked well and we are thankful to be able to continue in this way.
  
  
• Due to the COVID-19 restrictions all other seminary activities and normal spring visits from various schools are cancelled or postponed for now. We wait to see if we will be able to reume any normal classes and activities in May. Pray for the professors, students, and staff as we seek to carry on with our labors under these difficult circumstances.
  
  
• Work has begun on the Spring 2020 issue of the PR Theological Journal. Though we may have to wait for the print edition under the present circumstances, the seminary will produce and post the digital copy as soon as it is ready.

• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 30th.

• For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website! 

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be mentioned from her bulletin today:
  
  • Session met this past Thursday with opening devotion from this text, sharing to stand fast in the word that we have been taught, ie. in the tradition, in our reformed faith. In our belief, in our daily struggles, in our standing firm for His word, Christ is with us, giving us everlasting consolation to go through each day of our life, comforting us and establishing us in every good word and works. Even in the stay home measures and the restrictions that we face now, some of us may feel lonely and some may feel discouraged. May we be encouraged to be contented with what God has given us and put in place for us to use during this difficult time.
  • Session received an update from Grandville PRC that they are not able to meet as a congregation to call the MOL due to the restrictions in Michigan. Once the restrictions are lifted, Grandville will meet soon to call the MOL for us.
    
  • The February 2020 newsletter - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page.
  • A new issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shaker, is available. Find the March 2020 issue here.

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC,  the following may be noted:
  • From last week's bulletin: The arrangement for the CPRC Sunday services today is the same as the last 2 weeks: livestreaming a streamlined meeting with only prayer and exposition of the Word on video (https://cprc.co.uk/live-streaming/) at 11AM and 6PM. During this difficult time when we are unable to meet together, may we confess with the Psalmist, “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God” (Ps. 84:2).
  • Read the latest CPRC newsletter - February 2020!
    
  • Read the new March 2020 issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!

  • Sadly, given the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus (in God's sovereign decree), the British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) Conference has been rescheduled to (basically) the same week next year. Thus the BRF Conference will not be taking place in 2020. Instead, it is rescheduled to 10-17 July, 2021. Same venue: Castlewellan Castle (http://castlewellancastle.org/). Same theme: Union With Christ. Same speakers: Prof. Engelsma and Rev. Lanning (USA), with John Perkins (England) giving the special lecture. For more on the BRF, see https://www.britishreformed.org/

• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  
  • Congregational and Denominational News:

~ Berean PRC: Rev. V. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today via live streaming on our Facebook page. Our brothers and sisters in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us today in our worship services via Facebook live, the Lord willing.

~ Maranatha PRC: Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both Worship Services live streamvia Facebook . Maranatha Protestant Reformed Church at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. D.V.

~ Provident PRC: The elders have sent links to our worship services for today. We will hear the preaching of Rev. Rodney Kleyn, pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC, when he preached in Lynden PRC in the northwestern corner of the state of Washington. The Wednesday night Bible study will meet again this week at 8:00 pm, Lord willing, using Zoom. ...We will continue our study of the visions of John in the book of Revelation.

~ PRCP Seminary: Classes have resumed and are being given long distance.

~ The most recent mission newsletter (January 2020) was published and distributed in February.

~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

• The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.

How are we to think Christianly about COVID-19? Read this resource to learn more.

Would you like to learn more about the PRC and her doctrines and practices? Are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Psalter music available FREE: the entire collection of Psalm Choir videos and CDs is currently available free. With many PRC members and fellow saints worshiping at home due to the present pandemic, these are a valuable resource. You may find the playlists on YouTube here. And, all volumes of the Psalm Choir CDs may be found here. These too can be used for family or personal devotions, as well as for personal comfort and peace in seasons of fear and distress.
  
  
• Are you looking for good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.

Due to printing restrictions related to COVID-19, the RFPA is temporarily unable to print and distribute hard copies of The Standard Bearer. Once these restrictions have been lifted, the RFPA will print and mail out all postponed issues of the magazine. In the meantime, these issues will be available for free online as they are produced. You can find the April 15 issue at https://rfpa.org/pages/the-standard-bearer

Two NEW books from the RFPA: 1) Unfolding Covenant History Vol. 6 (From Samuel to Solomon) by Prof. D. Engelsma will be sent to book club members and those who ordered it. 2) Letters from Katie Luther: A Novel by Shirley Casemier will be sent to Gold Star members and others who ordered it. While we are facing delays in the delivery of some of these books, we are working with your church’s book club agent to get them to you as soon as possible. If you would like to order either book, visit rfpa.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 457-5970. Your book club agent will deliver your book as soon as he/she is able.

• The Reformed Book Outlet is temporarily closed for the safety of our volunteers. If you need to place an order or have questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will not be answering the phone. Thank you.

• Llisten to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • Continuing this month, Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) has delivered a series on prayer. Today's message is a special one titled "Our Greatest Privilege,"  based on Hebrews 10:19-21. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
    
  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ The Reformed Witness Hour Committee wishes to remind everyone that you can receive their bi-monthly newsletter via email simply by signing up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL.  Each newsletter contains information about places around our globe where the RWH is downloaded; news about the RWH’s witness on the radio and via the internet, printed booklet, and CD and links to many popular and relevant RWH messages.

~ A Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

 
*A new issue has been released - see below!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• 2020 PRYP's Convention News! Registration for the 2020 Young People’s Convention opened on Monday, March 16!
  • The convention is planned for August 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL. To register as a chaperone, go to www.prcconvention.com , and follow the instructions under the Chaperone tab. If you have any questions, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • URGENT NEED:  We still need 20 Men and 10 Women chaperones. Sign up now at prcconvention.com.  If you are thinking about it and have questions please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give us a call. Kathy Decker 616-719-6482.  We need you!  Registration for Chaperones closes March 31. 
    
    
• Young Men's Conference postponed! GPRC Young Men’s Conference, with the theme of "Run, Fight, Lead!", scheduled for Saturday morning, April 25 has been put on hold for now. Look for a notice of future plans soon.
  
  
• Colorado Retreat: Save the date August 3-6, 2020 for a young adults retreat in Colorado!
  
  
• *A new issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shaker, is available (from Singapore!). Find the March 2020 issue here.
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 30th. 
  
  
• The Western Young People's Retreat, hosted by the Lynden and Spokane Young Peoples, will be held July 14-17, 2020, at Camp Sanders in N. Idaho.  This is a retreat for Young People ages 13-18 (going into 9th-12th grade).  More information and registration will be available in March. Contact Rev. Kleyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

Missionary-pastor M. McGeown live-streaming his sermons to the Limerick Reformed Fellowship (Sunday, April 5)

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church.

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown led the services today. He recently announced his acceptance of the call to Providence PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Plans are being made for him to complete his labors in Limerick and move to Michigan as soon as it is possible.

  • While the “lockdown” continues, we shall attempt to conduct our meetings electronically. Let us cry out to God to restore the means of grace to us: “My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth for the living God” (Ps. 84:2). Bible Study: Tuesday 8 PM by video conferencing beginning at James 4:11.

  • (From the PRC Contact Commitee) Our sister church, the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland, reports that they have decided to close the mission station in Limerick, Ireland that they had been overseeing for the past ten years. ...We submit this disappointment to the good providence of God who is alone wise. Remember the saints in Limerick and Rev. McGeown in your prayers.

Philippine Missions:

• Berean PRC News: This congregation continues to work in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija (the saints join Berean PRC services via livestream during this time of confinement).
• Maranatha PRC News: 

  The missionary work in Sipalay, Negros Occ is temporarily cancelled due to the Enchancement Community Quaratine. Let us pray that the Lord will end this plague and let His work of preaching and teaching be continued.

• The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The January 2020 issue may be read here.
  
• For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
  

We remember in prayer the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines, especially in these difficult days of quarantine. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India.
  

• Let us pray for our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. From Covenant ERC's bulletin today we find this update:
  Pastor Emmanuel who gave us an update on Kolkata mission. The people are struggling with their daily needs. Supplies such as food and essentials were cut off from coming into the city. People have limited or in some cases, no access to food and medical facilities. Their lockdown is being extended to 3 May. Pray for them, brethren.
  

Myanmar:

• We also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar.