PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for June 6, 2021 *(Updated)

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, June 6, the twenty-third Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today as we gather for worship, we bring our praise and thanks to our triune God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all His gifts, especially the gift of salvation full and free through His Son. Through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit may we give our glorious God the honor due His name.

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. ~ Psalm 8:1,2

• If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

• Last week Prof. R. Dykstra accepted the call to Byron Center (MI) PRC. We rejoice with the congregation in God's provision of their need and pray for Prof. Dykstra and his wife Carol as they prepare to transition to the pastoral ministry once again. In the Fall Prof. Dykstra will also be finishing his final year of teaching at the PRC Seminary (2 classes) as Prof. Kuiper prepares his final courses to replace him.
  
  
• Last Sunday Kalamazoo PRC issued a call to Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC) is also considering the call to Wingham PRC (Ontario, Can.). *UPDATE: Rev. Barnhill declined this call.
  
  
• Rev. W. Bruinsma is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received May 16).
  
  
• The Consistory of Crete PRC announces a trio of Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC); Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC); and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will vote after the evening worship service on June 13, D.V.
  
  
• The final worship services of Bethel PRC (Roselle, IL) will be held on June 27, D.V. May the Lord continue to be with the congregation and her pastor, Rev. Lee, as they prepare for the disbanding of this dear congregation.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. R.Van Overloop in Byron Center PRC; Rev. S.Key in Crete PRC (IL); Prof. R.Dykstra and Prof. B.Huizinga in First PRC-Holland; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. W.Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. D.Noorman in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. C.Griess in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.
  
  May we also remember 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) and which is also under new lockdown orders, meaning that the church's in-person worship and other meetings are suspended for the time being. May the Lord encourage their hearts during these difficult times and soon open the way for them to gather in person again.
  
  
• 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...
  • Rev. D. Holstege (PRC missionary to the Philippines) is giving another missions presentation tonight, this time in Hope PRC, Walker MI? This is the notice in Hope's bulletin today: We welcome Rev. D. Holstege to our pulpit and fellowship today. Since Rev. Holstegeis with us today, the consistory took the opportunity to request that Rev. Holstege give the congregation the presentation on the work of our missionaries in the Philippines thatwas previously cancelled. The congregation is encouraged to remain after the evening worship service for this presentation.

  • Edgerton PRC is sponsoring a timely lecture this coming Friday night, June 11? Here's the note in her bulletin again today: What does God's Word say about homosexuality? Today, some in the church world and in Christian colleges argue that when two of the same gender are in a committed relationship of love, homosexuality is a good thing and to be celebrated. Come to Edgerton PRC on Friday evening, June 11, at 7 PM to hear Pastor Matt De Boer explain what the Bible really teaches about this subject, how we can answer popular objections, and how church leaders and church members are to respond to homosexuality.
    

Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville MI, host of this year's PRC Synod

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• PRC Synod 2021: Pre-Synodical Service will be held on Monday evening, June 7, at 7:00 P.M. in Georgetown PRC. Rev. R. VanOverloop will preach the sermon. Synod will begin its 2021 meetings on June 8, at 8 A.M. in Georgetown PRC. Sem. Josiah Tan will be examined on Tuesday (sermon specimen) to Thursday. Let us pray for him and for all the delegates and advisors as they treat the PRC's work this week. May a true spirit of unity in the truth prevail and be manifested.
• Seminary graduation will take place, D.V., on Thursday, June 10 in Georgetown PRC, at 7:30 P.M. Prof. D. Kuiper will give the address.
• Revs. D. Lee and J. Marcus are eligible for calls in the PRC and her sister churches. Let us remember them in prayer as they await new charges.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary has concluded her second semester and has entered her spring/summer break. Continue to pray for the seminary in all her needs. The faculty keeps busy with preparation for the next term as well as with other activities, and many of the students return to their summer jobs. The seminary will be open daily during the spring and summer, except for holidays (M-F, 8-5).
• The professors will be serving as committee advisors at the PRC Synod this week at Georgetown PRC. And this news concerning part of the synod's seminary business is out: The Theological School Committee is recommending to Synod 2021 the following aggregate list of ministers from which to call a replacement for Prof. B. Gritters as Professor of Practical Theology and New Testament Studies: Revs. N. Decker, J. Engelsma, C. Griess, and C. Spronk. 
• Last week Prof. R. Dykstra accepted the call to Byron Center (MI) PRC. We pray for Prof. Dykstra and his wife Carol as they prepare to transition to the pastoral ministry once again. In the Fall Prof. Dykstra will also be finishing his final year of teaching at the PRC Seminary (2 classes) as Prof. Kuiper prepares his final courses to replace him.
• Senior student Josiah Tan (Covenant ERC, Singapore) plans to be examined at the PRC Synod beginning on June 8 in Georgetown PRC. Seminary graduation will take place, D.V., on Thursday, June 10 in Georgetown PRC, at 7:30 P.M. Prof. D. Kuiper will give the address.
• The internship of Seminarian Marcus Wee (Covenant ERC, Singapore) will take place this summer and fall (July - December) at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) under Rev. C. Spronk. 
• With joy the faculty announces that it has licensed student Matthew Koerner (entering his junior year) to speak a word of edification in the churches.  We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training. As of May 30 he has begun preaching in various PRCs.
• Work continues on the Spring 2021 issue of the PRTS Journal. 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.

In the news below, learn about the struggles in India presently

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: Today marks the beginning of a new quarter of Covenant Instruction classes. It will stretch till 28 August. This also means we have completed a quarter of Catechism instruction, though the classes on the Heidelberg Catechism and Essentials of Reformed Doctrine will be extended for 2 more weeks (5 and 12 June) for Rev. Smidstra to complete the entire curriculum. What can parents and students expect in this coming quarter? There are 2 on-goings classes throughout the whole year -the pre-school and the tertiary classes. The pre-school is continuing in their studies in the gospel according to Luke, in English. They will learn that Jesus is God’s only begotten Son. This study will alternate with the study on basic doctrine, which is conducted in Chinese.
  • CERC has also returned to increased covid restrictions due to an increase in cases in the country. The congregation is divided into 4 groups (50 persons are allowed) that will rotate for in-person services. All other church meetings are suspended or will be held online. Let us remember them in prayer during this time.
  • Re the Kolkata, India mission work: Many are the trials of our brethren on the Mission field: ever increasing COVID-19 infections, online Worship Services and Friday Bible-Study, all other ministries have ceased temporarily; and finally, West Bengal and Orissa were severely damaged by a very severe cyclone, Yaas. This was a week after Cyclone Tauktae killed more than 150 people and India may yet be hit by another cylone, Gulab. Let us pray for our brethren to endure the great hardship. (today's bulletin)
  • The April 2021 issue of Salt Shakers is now available! Visit the link to read the edifying articles. Especially are young people are encouraged to do so!
    
    
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word in person to the saints in Ballymena.
  • Don't forget to read the April issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!
  • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word in Limerick (now in person again!) until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC. To read his last update (newletter), visit this page. Important update:

    Rev. M. McGeown has received notification of an appointment for the U.S. immigrant visa in Dublin on 24 June (which is about one month earlier than the U.S. non-immigrant visa appointment of 27 July). In connection with this appointment he must also undergo a medical examination on 13 July. If the visa interview and medical examination are approved, the immigrant visa will probably be issued towards the end of July. “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (James 4:15). To which Providence PRC's Council added this note last week: "Lord willing Rev. McGeown and his wife Larissa will be able to join us at Providence the first week of August."

    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • The latest Philippines' Newsletter may be found here.
    
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R.Smit led the services today. FYI, live streaming of our worship services will be available on Berean PRC Facebook page. Rev. Ibe and family are visiting with the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Pastor Ibe will give a Word of edification and he will also lead them in their Bible Study on Ephesians 2:1-10, the Lord willing.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D.Kleyn led the services today. The live-streaming of our services will be available on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.
  • It is with great sadness to hear the withdrawal of PRCB (effective May 17, 2021 and now First Reformed Church in Bulacan) from our denomination. It is our prayer now that God may preserve the faithful saints in our churches in the truth that we may “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27b).
  • Classis of the congregations of PRCP meets on Saturday (June 12, 2021) at 9AM at Provident PRC in Provident Village, Marikina City. FYI, the meeting will be live streamed using Zoom video call.
    
    
• Georgetown PRC and her India labors: In her bulletin today we find this news: Update for PRCV, India: Having completed the translation of the 3 Forms of Unity into Tamil, we have now begun the translation into Tamil of Study Guides in Reformed Doctrine written by Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC). There are 6 Study Guides (40-50 pages each), one on each Loci of Reformed Theology. You can see copies of them on the table near the Council Room. The translation of the 3 Forms of Unity into the Odia Dialect continues. The 2nd wave of covid infections in India has resulted in a number of the members of the PRCV being hospitalized. The lock down by the Gov’t is very strict. Worship services are conducted on line. Remember the Children and GFH in your prayers during this trying time.

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. R.Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) is currently doing a series on the Gospel according to Mark. Today's message is based on Mark 3:20-27 and titled "Two Kingdoms in Conflict."
  
• 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. Are you are regular listener?
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet (see the attachment to this news post for the latest one - April 2021). 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

Would you like to know more about the history of the early church? Check out this new resource from the RFPA!

• 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.
  
  
• Reformed Book Outlet news: The Reformed Book Outlet has reopened and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). If you have any needs during this time, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

I pray God, says the apostle, that you be strengthened, that you might live out of faith in the abiding Christ within you.  

      Is that your prayer?  Is that your heartfelt need after a week?  Do you pray, “Lord, strengthen the life of Christ in me, the life of faith, the inward man.  Strengthen the truth that Christ abides in me and that I am His child”?  We do not need to be exhorted to make such a prayer with respect to our bodies.  We want our bodies to be firm, toned.  With respect to our finances we want them to be strong.  With respect to our emotional life we want that to be strong.  With respect to our business we want a strong, flourishing business.  But all of those things, say the Scriptures, belong to the perishing, earthly life.  They are important.  But on your deathbed, you are not going to say, “I wish I had been stronger in my shoulders.  I wish I had a stronger portfolio.”  On your deathbed, as a child of God, you are going to pray, “Lord, I wish (I see very plainly now), I wish all my days I had been stronger spiritually, with the abiding Jesus Christ.”  Is that your prayer?

Found in Covenant of Grace PRC's bulletin today; author - Rev. C. Haak