PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 26, 2021

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, September 26, the thirty-ninth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Ps.118:24). On this new Lord's Day we bring our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving unto our sovereign God, who is worthy of all honor and glory. With the psalmist may we boldly say in Christ Jesus,

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. ~ Psalm 24:3-6

• From Unity PRC's bulletin comes this special note about Wingham PRC: Today, the Lord willing, officebearers will be installed, and the congregation will be reorganized under the oversight of Unity PRC’s consistory. Rev. D. Holstege is there to lead the worship services today. Bob and Judy Van Til travelled to Wingham to represent our consistory and congregation. We give thanks for this joyous occasion for the church in Wingham and pray the Lord’s blessing upon them.
  
  
• From Kalamazoo PRC's bulletin today: The consistory presents to the congregation a trio of ministers consisting of Rev. James Laning, Hull PRC; Rev. Dennis Lee, formerly of Bethel PRC, Roselle, IL, and Rev. Stephan Regnerus, Lynden PRC, Lynden, WA. Lord willing, a special congregational meeting is planned for next Sunday, October 3, following the evening service, to vote to extend a call to one of these men.
  
  
• Last Sunday (Sept.19) Doon PRC extended a call to Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC).
  
  
• Last Sunday (Sept.19) Hudsonville PRC also voted to call Rev. E. Guichelaar.
  
  
• Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN) is considering the call from Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA). He plans to answer by Oct.10.
  
  
• This past week Rev. R. Kleyn and his family moved from Spokane, WA to Grand Rapids, MI, where he will be installed as the new pastor of First PRC on October 3, D.V.
  
  
• 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.
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. S.Key in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. K.Koole in First PRC-GR; Prof. B.Gritters and Prof. R.Cammenga in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. J.Maatman in Hudsonville PRC;  Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. A.Spriensma in Kalamazoo PRC.  We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation and the privilege to be able to help one another in this need.
  
  
• 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...
  • Zion PRC will be starting a new Bible study for the Jenison community in October? It will be held at the Georgetown Township Library from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, beginning Oct.6. Let's help them spread the word about this evangelism work to those in that area!
    
  • Byron Center PRC has also resumed her community Bible study after the pandemic shutdowns, etc. We find this notice in her bulletin today: "Our community Bible study meets this week Thursday, September 30. It will be held at 7:30 PM at the church. We take up our discussion at John 14:8. Bring friends and neighbors and join us!" If you know someone in that area, why not let them know!

Crete PRC, host of this week's Classis West meeting

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Classis West will meet this week Wednesday, Sept.29, at Crete PRC in Crete, Illinois. Let us pray for the delegates in their travels and in their deliberations.
• Crete PRC will be hosting Classis West, September 29 and the Council has decided to host an Officerbearers' Conference on September 28 at church.  The theme of the conference will be "Sanctification - the Blessed Work of Christ's Spirit".  Our speakers will be Revs. S. Key speaking on "The Spirit of Freedom,'' M.Kortus speaking on "Be Ye Holy: the Doctrine of Sanctification from Leviticus," and J. Engelsma speaking on "In the Way of Our Obedience."  All are welcome to attend.
• Classis East met on Wednesday, Sept.8 at Grandville PRC. Among other business, Classis treated a request from Trinity PRC's consistory to proclaim a Day of Prayer in the churches of Classis East on Nov. 2, 2021. A ground for this decision was "Our churches are experiencing great affliction at the present.... This great affliction is evidenced by the ongoing schism that has torn apart the body of Christ, the great need that we as a denomination have for ministers of the Word, and other ongoing afflictions as well."
• Revs. D. Lee and J. Marcus (both now living in West Michigan) 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:

• This past week the seminary completed its fifth week of the new school year (2021-22). We thank the Lord for His goodness and blessing to this point. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the day-to-day work. The semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website.
• This Tuesday, Sept.28, the seminary's faculty and students will travel to Crete PRC in Illinois to participate in the special officebearers' conference (see above note).
  
• Rev. D.Noorman led the weekly chapel again this past week. On the other days, Sem. Arend Haveman (2nd year) led in devotions.
• The Spring PRT Journal is now available in its digital forms on the seminary's website. The printed copies should be available in the next week or so.
• Don't forget that the seminary library and bookstore are open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and Bible needs. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well.
• Coming this Fall! Seminary Conference:  What is preaching?  What does it mean to preach the gospel?  How does one preach the commands of Scripture?  What is application in preaching?  Make plans now to hear four speeches by the seminary professors, under the conference theme "The Lord Gave the Word: Preaching the Gospel."  The conference will be hosted by Trinity PRC, on the late afternoon and evening of October 28 and 29.  More details will follow.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • Today's bulletin contained an edifying note from pastor J.Tan: Do you see the majesty of God as the Most High? As supreme? By the gift of faith from God Himself we do in a small way. That is our prayer today. “Lord, do not give me a low vision of you”. Give me to see more and more of your incomparable, extreme, transcendent Majesty. Give me to stand in awe of your holiness, justice and mercy. As I come to your house to praise you, give me to see your supreme magnificence, splendour, dignity of your being in the face of my King Jesus Christ.
    
  • And concerning her mission work in Kolkata there was this brief note: "We thank God that Rev Singh has recovered from his sore throat. He was invited to speak about Reformed Faith to a group of people in Kolkata, 2 hours drive from his home."

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to bring the word faithfully to his flock in Ballymena.
  • And the CPRC website continues to bless many. Here's an example from her Sept.19 bulletin: “I’ve been digging into [the CPRC website] recently. I’m thoroughly enjoying it all … Keep enjoying Christ and making him known … I was listening to your conference address on J. N. Darby. I listened to a discussion you had 8 years ago regarding our Reformed faith and Arminianism. You conducted yourself with the fruit of Christ. Your rest in the Lord really shone through in that discussion. What a witness of God’s goodness and sovereignty! … That’s a good website. Thanks for making the creeds accessible. It’s a real blessing to be listening to your work my friend.” – Wales
  • Be sure to check out the lastest edition of "Covenant Reformed News" (August 2021). Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe will lead us in the preaching of the Word today via live streaming. The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services via live streaming at our Facebook page today, D.V.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The Council calls the congregation to gather together for worship today. May the Lord God be praised by us, and may we be led in the green pastures of His Word for the comfort and strengthening of our souls. Rev. Smit will preach for us today, the Lord willing.
    
  • Read the last PRC missions newsletter - July 2021.
    
    
• India Outreach Update (from Georgetown PRC's bulletin today): Update from PRCV, India: The members of the Tamil church are doing well. They mourned this week the passing of an old and faithful member, Backiam Amma, 85. As a widow, living some distance from church, she would arise at 3:30am Sunday mornings to walk and use three bus routes to come be present at worship. Due to Covid regulations (hopefully to end in Oct.) the services are held online. Both the English and Tamil churches have been blessed with recent marriages. The English Church does meet and Pastor Raj preaches for them. The children and youth of the GFH are doing well both on and off campus. A number of the young people are pursuing training and education for future careers.

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

• For the months of July, August, and September Rev. C.Haak (Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI) is the featured speaker, with focus on his series on the book of Nehemiah. Today's message is based on Nehemiah 11:12-27 and titled "Jerusalem Filled with Boys and Girls Playing in the Streets."
  
• 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? If not, why not start today!
• 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 Committee 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

Are you interested in a primer on the Reformed faith? Check out this resource!

• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet is open and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (10-5), and Saturday (10-1).

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Worship

The Reformed faith maintains the necessity of regular worship each Sabbath. It is not of a mind to minimize or neglect the worship of Jehovah in regular services. Rather, the joy of the Reformed is to fulfil the mandate of the fourth commandment and the teachings of Scripture by gathering each Sabbath to worship God’s Name. They gather not to be entertained, but to glorify the Name which is above every other name.

The Reformed faith maintains also the scriptural teaching that the preaching of the Word must come out of the church through men called by God to serve in this important position (Rom. 10:15). The preaching is to be the central element of worship. It is called in Scripture the “foolishness of preaching” (I Cor. 1:21), but at the same time it is the God-ordained way of saving sinners and strengthening saints (Rom. 10:14).

Taken from Rev. R.Hanko's pamphlet "What Is the Reformed Faith?"