PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 13, 2020

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, September 13, 2020, the thirty-seventh Lord's Day of this year.

• Last Sunday, Sept.6, the congregation of Kalamazoo PRC voted to extend a call to Rev. Rodney Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane, WA). May the King of the church guide him as he considers this call.
  
  
• Last Sunday, Sept.6, Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) declined the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN). We pray that the Lord will soon provide another pastor for this vacant congregation.
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has presented a trio to the congregation from which to call a new pastor: Revs. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace, Spokane, WA), and C. Spronk (Faith, Jenison). A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening, September 20 following the evening service.
  
  
• The Consistory of Wingham PRC (ON) has formed its first trio following their pastor's acceptance of the call to First PRC Edmonton, AB. It consists of Revs. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), and J. Engelsma (Doon PRC). A congregation meeting is scheduled for Monday September 28 to vote from this trio.
  
  
• Rev. M. Vanderwal (Wingham ON PRC) has accepted the call to First PRC, Edmonton, AB (August 16). Due to his presence at Classis East this past week, he must quarantine for two weeks; for this reason he will now preach his farewell in Wingham PRC on Sunday, Sept.27.
  
  
• Let us remember in prayer the needs of Rev. J. Marcus, who awaits a call to the churches, of Rev. M. McGeown, who awaits permission to enter the States to be installed in Providence PRC, and of Covenant ERC, our sister church in Singapore, as she awaits both pulpit supply from the PRC and a call for minister-on-loan through Grandville PRC - both on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
   
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found.
  
  
• Did you know that:
  • There's a new Psalter and hymns recording available, titled "Selah"? Here's the information from the source - and the good cause: The Loveland PRCS Fundraisers group is selling CDs and/or MP3s of Hymns and Psalter arrangements by Lisa Hoekstra entitled Selah to raise funds for the needs of their ever-growing school. Order online at lovelandprcs.org/selah by Monday, Sep. 28! Thank you for your support!
    
  • The Edgerton PRC Evangelism Committee has a special workshop for its congregation this Friday?  From her bulletin today are the details: The Evangelism Committee plans to have a "workshop" this Friday, September 18, at 7 PM. We will split into several groups to discuss how we might answer certain questions pertaining to our faith if we were asked these questions in the workplace, at college, or in the community. The Committee encourages all members that are high school age and up to attend.

Byron Center PRC, host of last week's Classis East meeting

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Classis East met this past Wed.-Thurs. in Byron Center PRC. For the full public report, visit this webpage.
  
• The 2020 PRC Acts of Synod is now available and is in process of being distributed to the congregations. If you have not yet received yours, seek out your congregation's clerk, the stated clerk (Rev. R. Van Overloop), or contact the seminary.
• 2020 edition of the Church Order: The 2020 edition of the ring-bound Church Order book is now available and may be ordered through the PRC Seminary (616-531-1490). As per synodical decision, these books are updated every five years to incorporate new synodical decisions affecting them. In addition to the Church Order, this book also contains such things as the Constitutions of all synodical committees, the Rules of Synodical Procedure, the Explanation of the Rules for Protests/Appeals/Overtures and the denomination's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. All these are of most practical use to the office bearers. But, all of our families would do well to cultivate a knowledge of and interest in Protestant Reformed church polity. If you already have the six-ring green binder, you need only order the new inserts ($4.00). The inserts with the binder with the 2020 edition is $10.00. Payment can be made to the PRCA after you receive your materials
• Classis West is scheduled to meet, the Lord, willing, in Edgerton (MN) PRC on Wednesday, September 23.

Special PRC Seminary Notices:

• Seminary has begun its first semester of the 2020-21 school year onsite and in person. Three weeks into the new term and all is well, for which we give thanks to God. Pray for the professors, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the work of training men for the ministry of the Word.
• Due to the current restrictions on indoor gatherings in the state of Michigan, the Theological School Committee has cancelled the 2020 seminary convocation (usually held in early September). The plan is to have a news report in the October 1 Standard Bearer, including an introduction to the students. Watch for that in the near future!
• For several years, the seminary faculty have permitted auditors to audit some classes. The presence and input of the auditors has been appreciated. With regret, because of COVID restrictions, the faculty is not inviting any auditors this semester. This decision will be reviewed at the end of the semester with a view to Interim 2021 and the second semester.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • From today's "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin: As we continue to congregate partially in church to worship the only wise God, may we also take delight in our worship and through the participation of all the elements of worship this day that we bring glory to His name. Once again, may we yearn to assemble, as His dear children and look forward to the day when all of us could return as a whole congregation to His house to worship Him together.
  • A new issue of "Reformed News Asia" has been published (August 2020, #61). Read that issue here.
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word as the church there is back to meeting
  • Missionary-pastor M. McGeown continues to preach the gospel in Limerick, Ireland until he can enter the U.S. and be installed as Providence PRC's pastor.
  • Be sure to read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - August 2020!
• PRC in the Philippines:
  
  • From today's Berean PRC bulletin: Beloved, MM and the province of Bulacan are under GCQ (General community quarantine) from September 1 – 31, 2020. Rizal Province is placed under MGCQ, nonetheless, mass gathering is still strictly monitored as only 10% of the total capacity of the church hall is permitted to hold a public gathering. Besides this, our church building is currently under renovation (roofing work on the 3rd floor) and all our belongings and church property are temporary placed on the 2nd floor. The project runs from Sept. 01 – November 30 as presented to and approved by the Council. For now, we will continue the livestreaming of the preaching of the Word via Facebook live and other media platform until the restrictions are lifted or until the construction in the 3rd floor of our building is done, the Lord willing.
  • The latest PRCP newsletter was published last month - have you read the August 2020 report?
• India Mission News (from Georgetown PRC's bulletin today):
  • The Tamil church met together for worship for the first time in 5 months last Sunday. The Doctors of the CMC are not yet able to join in due to Covid. Pastor Paul Raj is currently preaching from the book of Job.
  • The translation of the creeds into Tamil continues to make progress. The Belgic Confession is finished, The Canons of Dordt are closer to completion (being done by Praveen Phinehas), and a revision of the Tamil translation of the Catechism is planned.
  • Some children brought to the GHF during Covid must now return to their homes. This is a cause for sadness, yet we are thankful that they were exposed to the gospel and pray for the enduring work of the Holy Spirit.
  • A young man (Nivin) who joined the PRCV, fluent in English, college educated, and zealous of the Reformed Faith, desires to enter the ministry and be trained in our Seminary or the PRC Seminary in the Philippines.

• Are we continuing to pray for our dear brothers and sisters throughout the world as they also face trials and tribulations? May we also show the communion of saints in this way.

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!

• Currently Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is delivering the messages, and this month he is finishing his messages on the truth of God's covenant of grace. Today's message is titled "The Spirit's Work in the Covenant," based on Romans 8:15-17.
• Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Play, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Commitee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM:

The Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI (across the parking lot from Gemmens Hardware)

• The Reformed Book Outlet is running a 25% off sale on most items for the month or September! As a reminder, our hours are Tuesday 10-1, Wednesday 1-5, and Saturday 10-1, or send your order to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Are you desirous to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

...In verse one, he cries to the “God of my righteousness”. Indeed, what peace we have when we rest, not in our own good works, but only in the righteousness that God Himself gives to us, the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. There we have peace. God is not against us but for us. This is what we read in Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Do you know that peace?

In the midst of trials and difficulties, I will not sit up to watch and wait in fear. Nor will I lay down and stay awake all night with worries, listening to every tick of the clock and the noise coming through my window. I will lie down in peace and sleep. I have nothing to fear! My God surrounds me like a mother hen’s wings cover her young. I have the Good Shepherd watching over and tending the sheep of His flock. I am given guardian angels that are given charge over me.

From this past week's special meditation by Rev. A. Spriensma, PRC home missionary - "Sweet Evening Psalm" (Psalm 4)