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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 21, 2021 (Updated)

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The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, February 21, the eighth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Psalm 92 1

  • Today we are blessed to enter into our Lord's rest by faith and worship the mighty and merciful God of our salvation. In doing so we also hear the gospel of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that the preaching of Christ crucified and raised is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe (Rom.1:16).
    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, locations and times, visit this page.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. ~ Psalm 92:1-4 (A Psalm for the Sabbath day)

  • Tonight in Grace PRC (Standale, MI) Missionary-pastor D.Holstege will be giving a presentation on the mission work in the Philippines over the last two years. The presentation will begin at approximately 7:15 pm.  All in the area are invited!

  • Last Sunday Rev. J.Smidstra (1st PRC, Holland, MI) declined the call to Hudsonville PRC.

  • Rev. E.Guichelaar (Randolph, WI) is considering the call to Kalamazoo PRC (received Jan.31).  May the King of the church show him plainly what His will is.

  • The Council of Byron Center PRC announces a trio from which to call a new pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC), J. Engelsma (Doon PRC), and D. Holstege (missionary to the Philppines). A congregational meeting will be held following the evening service of March 7.

  • The Consistory of Wingham PRC has formed a new trio consisting of Revs. J.Smidstra (First PRC, Holland, MI), S.Regnerus (Lynden, WA), and N. Langerak (Crete, IL PRC). The congregational meeting is set for this Tuesday, Feb.23. We also rejoice with her today as she will begin worshiping in person again today, divided into two groups. UPDATE: Rev. J. Smidstra received this call.
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. R.Van Overloop in Byron Center PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. N.Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. J.Holstege in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. C.Haak in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.

    Let us also continue to pray for all the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot receive pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel 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. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.

  • Did you know that...
    • the Classis West church visitors still have to do some of their visits virtually? Read this note found in First PRC's bulletin (Edmonton, AB) this week: Consistory had an on-line virtual meeting with the Church Visitors this past Friday evening, February 19, 2021. Due to the current border restrictions, it was not possible for the Church Visitors to come here and meet in person. Visitors for this year are Rev. A. Brummel and Rev. J. Laning.  The theme of this year’s visit is “Endeavouring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit” based on Ephesians 4:1-3.
    • many of our congregations have been able to open up their sanctuaries and services to more members as COVID-19 numbers decline in their areas? We thank the Lord for this, even as we remember those of our fellow saints who still experience tight restirctions and limited numbers. May we learn patience and contentment as we wait on the Lord in these ongoing circumstances.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

  • Special notice for Classis West meeting: March 3, 2021: Due to strict Covid regulations in California, the Classis that was originally scheduled for Hope PRC (Redlands) has been moved to Peace PRC, so our church will once again be hosting the spring session of Classis West this year, starting on March 3. (from Peace's bulletin)

  • From Hope PRC's (Walker, MI) bulletin today we find this update from her Myanmar (mission) Commitee: The Myanmar committee reported that due to internet shutdowns in Yangon (since the military coup) they have not been able to video conference with Rev. Titus. Due to the insurrection in Myanmar our delegation trip has been cancelled. Let's remember to pray about this situation too.

  • Need for Ministers: For several years our synods have asked the congregations to remember the need for young men to pursue the calling to serve as ministers of the gospel.  Consistories and parents are urged to encourage young men in whom they see the beginning of the gifts necessary for the ministry. The greatness of the message of the gospel and the greatness of the need for that gospel to be proclaimed makes the need urgent. Also, there is an urgent need for young men because of the number of vacant congregations and the number of current ministers retiring because of increasing weariness of age. Cease not to ask the King of the church to provide.

Feb 2021 sunrise 2
Beautiful sunrise over seminary grounds this past week on the coldest winter morning so far (-8 F).

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary has now completed five weeks (one third) of its second semester. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website here. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we are not allowing auditors again this semester, which we deeply regret. Continue to remember the seminary's faculty, students, and staff in your prayers.
  • Rev. K. Koole led chapel this past Thursday and will do so again this week Wednesday
  • Internship news found in Faith PRC's bulletin recently: The Consistory has joyfully accepted the request of the Seminary to host the internship of Seminarian Marcus Wee.Mr. Wee, along with his wife, Tze Yan, have two sons, Asaph and Silas, and are expecting a third child this summer. They are members of Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore, and are currently attending Zion PRC.They will attend Faith during the interim of the internship, which will begin on July 1, and run through the end of December. We pray that God will bless the Wee family and our congregation during our time together.
  • The Fall 2020 issue of the PRTS Journal is now at the printer. As soon as it is printed we will be mailing it out. The digital copy (pdf) has now been posted on the seminary website. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please call or email the seminary.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

CERC ProfRD 2020 1
Prof. R. Dykstra leading a CERC fellowship group last year. Remember to pray for the Dykstras as they minister the Word there again now.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
    • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: Do continue to pray for our people in the church and in Kolkata as we go through this pandemic, whether we are in good health or going through various struggles at work or at home or going through sickness and bodily ailments, let us trust in the Lord, for He knows best what is good for us in preparing us in time to come. His grace is sufficient for us to go through each day. Pray for Rev Singh and the work and Kolkata, that God grant him speedy recovery of his blur vision to his right eye and sustaining him and the work in Kolkata
    • The December 2020 "Reformed News Asia" is the most recent issue published (#63). Read that issue here.
    • The last published issue of Salt Shakers magazine (for young people) is December 2020; read it 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 gather again in person.
    • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - January 2021!
    • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word in Limerick until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC.
    • Sadly, because of COVID uncertainty, the British Reformed Fellowship Family Conference has been rescheduled from this summer (2021) to July 9-16, 2022. Profs. David Engelsma and Brian Huizinga will develop the glorious truth of "Union With Christ" at Castlewellan Castle, N. Ireland. More details are online (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • From Berean PRC in Manila: Rev. V. Ibe is leading her in-person services today. The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming at Facebook live.
    • From Maranatha PRC bulletin today: Rev. L.Trinidad is leading the online services today (via Facebook Live). And this special note: It is with great joy and love to the Lord to submit our selves to the will of Christ, the King of the Church. First, the Consistory is officially informing our members that the Classis of the PRCP has approved the Emeritation of Rev. L. Trinidad effective February 28, 2021 due to his advancing age. Second, it is with great sadness to officially announce the disbanding of our church effective March 1, 2021. The Lord has led us and our congregation because of the lack of eligible men to serve in the special offices of our church at this time. As a result, we are transferring our membership to Provident PRC. ...Although our congregation is disbanding, we by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ continue clinging to His precious Word of mercy and kindness. Please continue to pray for us.
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D.Kleyn will lead both of our worship services and preach for us today.

    • PRCP Seminary News: The PRCP Seminary has begun second semester classes, which are being taught via the Internet.
    • The Classis of the PRCP is convening this Thursday, February 25, at the Provident PRC.

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

RKleyn RWH

  • Rev. R.Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) has returned to the program (for the next four months) and begins a series on the Gospel According to Mark. Today's message is based on Mark 1:9-13 and titled "The Beginning of Jesus Public Ministry."
  • 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:

Jhvh Savior SHouck
Who saves sinners? Jehovah (alone) is the Savior! Go here to read this important pamphlet.

  • 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.

  • Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.

  • 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..

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

We believe that our salvation consists in the remission of our sins for Jesus Christ's sake, and that therein our righteousness before God is implied: as David and Paul teach us, declaring this to be the happiness of man, that God imputes righteousness to him without works. And the same apostle saith, that we are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ. And therefore we always hold fast this foundation, ascribing all the glory to God, humbling ourselves before him, and acknowledging ourselves to be such as we really are, without presuming to trust in any thing in ourselves, or in any merit of ours, relying and resting upon the obedience of Christ crucified alone, which becomes ours, when we believe in him. This is sufficient to cover our iniquities, and to give us confidence in approaching to God; freeing the conscience of fear, terror and dread, without following the example of our first father, Adam, who, trembling, attempted to cover himself with fig-leaves. And verily if we should appear before God, relying on ourselves, or on any other creature, though ever so little, we should, alas! be consumed. And therefore every one must pray with David: O Lord, enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

Of Justification, found in Article 23 of the Belgic Confession (1561), one of the PRC's "Three Forms of Unity"

Last modified on 27 February 2021