The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, January 10, 2021, the second Lord's Day of this new year 2021.
- Today we once again gather as God's covenant people in worship of our Triune God and Father. May we render to Him the worship of which He alone is worthy. If you are visiting this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and evening). For congregations and locations, visit this page. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psalm 5:7,8,12
- Rev. A.Spriensma is to be installed as Cornerstone PRC's (Dyer, IN) new pastor this evening. Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC, Holland, MI), on classical appointment there today, will lead the installation service. May the Lord grant Rev. Spriensma a faithful and fruitful ministry in that place.
- The Council of Hudsonville PRC has formed a new trio from which to call thier next pastor: Revs. E.Guichelaar, J.Marcus, and J.Smidstra. A congregational meeting is set for Jan.24 after the evening service.
- Rev. Dan Holstege (PRC foreign missionary) will give a presentation on the work in the Philippines this evening at 7:45 at Hull PRC (NW Iowa). All in that area are invited.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J.Smidstra in Cornerstone PRC; Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. W.Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. G.Eriks in Kalamazoo PRC; Sem. J.Tan and Rev. D.Noorman in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.
Let us also remember to pray for the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot have pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel restrictions). At present because of the new COVID-19 lockdown orders in Ontario, the Wingham Consistory has suspended services until the congregation can gather again. Let's remember them in prayer with regard to this too. - 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. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
- Classis East will meet this Wednesday, Jan.13, at Grace PRC. Let us remember to pray for the delegates as they treat the serious matters before them. From the stated clerk comes this special note:
There are many questions about visitors attending the sessions of Classis East. Classis East will decide when it meets whether it will treat matters appearing on its agenda in open or closed session. Classis East will also determine whether and how many visitors will be able to sit in on its sessions. The number of visitors will be limited according tothe restrictions set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.Once Classis makes a decision on these matters, this decision will be released to the clerks of the churches of Classis East and the webmaster for prca.org so that it can be disseminated publicly.
- Missionary-pastor D. Holstege (the Philippines), along with his family, are residing in West Michigan for their six-month missionary furlough in the U.S. (until June 30, 2021). Today in the morning they are in Doon PRC (the calling church), where he will also lead the service. Tonight he will preach in Hull PRC and afterward give a presentation on the work in the Philippines.
Special PRC Seminary Notices:
- Seminary is now in its special interim period between semesters (see next note below). The second semester is set to begin on Tuesday, Jan.19. Continue to remember the seminary's faculty, students, and staff in your prayers.
- Prof. R. Cammenga is teaching the special Interim course this year (January 4-13). It is once again be on the Life and Theology of John Calvin. Regretfully, the seminary will not be allowing auditors for the course this year. But, if you want to listen to the lectures from the last time they were taught, you may go here.
- Sem. Josiah Tan (senior) completed his internship on Jan.1 at First PRC under Rev. C. Griess. He will return for his final semester on Jan.19.
- Notice of Licensure: The faculty has licensed student Marcus Wee to speak a word of edification in our churches. Brother Wee is a member of our sister church, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore. We rejoice at this milestone in the brother’s preparation for the ministry of the gospel. Any scheduling of him to lead worship services will be through the seminary faculty. This also provides us with an opportunity to impress upon our churches and sister churches the great need that we have for students for the ministry. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers in His vineyard, Matthew 9:37-38. For the faculty, Prof. Ron Cammenga, Rector.
- The Fall issue of the PRTS Journal is being completed and prepared for printing. The hope is for later this month.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
PRC, Bulacan, the Philippines
SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:
- Covenant ERC, Singapore:
- We rejoice in this good news from this week's "Pastoral Voice" (in her bulletin): In the pass week, we received the approval from the authority that we can proceed with Phase 3 of the reopening of the Church for our worship services. We are indeed thankful to the Lord for His grace and mercy. This means that with some adjustments, the whole church can now come together to worship the Lord on Sunday for both services. What a joy indeed and praise the Lord for His Goodness. Let us all rejoice from our hearts and sing like the Psalmist in Psalm 122:1 - 'I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.' ...With the approval for Phase 3 reopening of the Church and some adjustment needed, the Session decided to start the worship for the whole congregation on 24 January.
- The December 2020 issue of "Reformed News Asia" was just published (#63). Read that issue here.
- A new issue of Salt Shakers magazine (for young people) is also out - read the December 2020 at this link.
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word to the saints in Ballymena as they are allowed at present to worship.
- Be sure to read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - December 2020!
- While Ireland is under lockdown at present, Rev. M.McGeown once again is ministering the Word virtually.
- Rev.McGeown has penned a December 2020 newsletter for his fellow saints. You may find that here.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
- Berean PRC bulletin today: Rev. D.Kleyn led the services today, as they are allowed to meet in person (up to 50%). Rev. Ibe is scheduled to preach today in Provident PRC in both of their services by Classical appointment.
- From Maranatha PRC bulletin today: Rev. R.Smit is leading the online services today. The government extended again Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
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Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe is bringing the gospel there today, as they meet in person.
- PRCP Seminary News: The seminary is taking the PRC Seminary's (USA) Interim course on John Calvin from Jan.5-14. The students watch the videos of the recorded lectures and Revs. Kleyn and Smit lead the students in discussion of the subjects. The students are also asking Prof. R. Cammenga questions each day, which he answers at the beginning of the next lecture.
- Berean PRC bulletin today: Rev. D.Kleyn led the services today, as they are allowed to meet in person (up to 50%). Rev. Ibe is scheduled to preach today in Provident PRC in both of their services by Classical appointment.
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC) is delivering the messages on the program at present (Oct.2020 - Jan 2021). Today he brings a message based on 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 titled "All Things Are Yours."
- Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Have you listened lately?
- 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:
Looking for some 'meaty' reading in this new year? Check out this title at the RFPA website, as well as others!
- For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.
- Be sure to check out the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI and online! As a reminder, their hours of business are currently 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..
- Want 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:
The Race (Hebrews 12)
A cloud of witnesses surrounds:
Those who have run;
Those who by faith have won
The victors' crowns.
Now you must run His course.
Lift up your feeble hands,
Your strengthless knees. Before you stands
The Savior, your faith's Source.
Author and Finisher He is;
Look unto Him your spent strength to renew.
He gives the eagles' wings to you.
You shall not weary grow - the race is His.
Already He the victory has won.
His life He has laid down
To gain for you a crown.
Rise up with joy and run!
Throw off the weight that would delay.
Lay at the foot of Calvary's tree
The sin that would a hindrance be.
Go on your way!
The laurel wreath awaits him that endures
And Jesus Christ your victory assures.
His chastening hand supplies
Your healing exercise.
You shall not faint but thrive,
So for the finish strive.
You are His chosen one,
So run!
-- Suzanne Looyenga
Taken from the booklet "Good News for the Afflicted"