PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 3, 2021 (*Updated)

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, October 3, the fortieth 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,

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. ~ Psalm 25:4-7

• 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.
  
• Wingham PRC: Last Sunday, as previously approved by Classis East and delegates of synod, and under the leadership of Rev. D. Holstege and the supervision of Unity PRC, new officebearers were installed and the congregation of Wingham PRC was constituted anew. We rejoice with our brothers and sisters there and pray for God's richest blessing upon them as they make a fresh start as a manifestation of Christ's true church in that part of Canada.
  
  
• Kalamazoo PRC: 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... [today] following the evening service, to vote to extend a call to one of these men. *UPDATE: Rev. D. Lee has received this call.
  
  
• This morning Rev. R. Kleyn was installed as the tenth pastor in the history of First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI. Prof. C. Griess led the service and this evening Rev. Kleyn preached his inaugural sermon.
  
  
• Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) is considering calls to Doon PRC (answer by Oct.17) and Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Due to the meeting of Classis West last week in Crete, there were many pulpit exchanges among the ministers in the congregations today (see below for a partial report).
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Marcus in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. S.Regnerus (2 weeks) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. K.Koole in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Prof. R.Dykstra in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. G.Eriks in Kalamazoo PRC; Rev. N.Decker in Wingham 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.

Crete PRC, host of last week's Classis West meeting and Officebearers' Conference

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Classis West met this past week at Crete PRC in Crete, Illinois. Part of their work involved dealing with schism in the First PRC of Edmonton (Alberta). Classis West ruled that the group from Edmonton sending delegates to the Classis had set themselves outside of the PRCA and therefore did not recognize these men as representatives of the lawful congregation nor seat them as delegates. Appealing to the by-Laws of the PRCA (X.A) dealing with “strife and division” in a congregation, Classis ruled that the men delegated were representatives of that part of the congregation that has “revolt[ed] against the constitutional provisions of the Church Order [of the PRC]...and repudiate[d] its obligations as a member church of the denomination.” Therefore, the “adjudication” of Classis is required for the recognition of the “lawful congregation.” Classis declared a protest of the former consistory of Edmonton against the work of the church visitors to be not legally before it, since this group had set themselves outside of the denomination and did not have the right to protest any longer. Classis approved the work of the church visitors with respect to this congregation. Then, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, Classis West approved the request of the remaining members of the First PRC of Edmonton to reconstitute a consistory and thereby reorganize as a Protestant Reformed congregation according to Article 38 of the C.O., under the supervision of Lacombe PRC.
• At her Sept.8 meeting, Classis East 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 sixth 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 past Tuesday, Sept.28, the seminary's faculty and students traveled to Crete PRC in Illinois to participate in the special officebearers' conference. They were edified by the speeches and enjoyed the fellowship of their fellow officebearers and saints.
  
• The Spring PRT Journal is now available in its digital forms on the seminary's website. The printed copies should be available this week.
• 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: You sit under the preaching of the gospel every Lord’s Day. What do you hear? What do you desire to hear? What is God doing in your soul through the preaching? How do you respond to the preaching, to its admonitions, to the call of the gospel? The conference speakers will address these and other related questions. Four speeches will be given, at 4:00 and 7:30 on Oct. 28 and 29. Trinity PRC is hosting this event. Everyone who sits under the preaching of the Word is cordially invited to attend.
  
• 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 noted that the congregation was celebrating the Lord's Supper today. It also had this interesting item: "Dear Brethren, since the SMM restrictions on congregational singing, our own church members have been recording Psalter numbers for Sunday worship. To date, we have recorded more than 200 Psalter songs. These recorded Psalter numbers are now available from our website. You can now access the following link or QR code, to listen to the recorded Psalter songs for your own edification and your own learning to be more proficient in singing Psalter. https://sites.google.com/site/cercaudiobackup/psalter-singing?authuser=0
    You may access the psalter songs via www.cerc.org.sg and go to Resources/Sermons & Lectures; then click on “Psalter Singing” for your edification.
    
  • A new issue of "Reformed News Asia" is out - #64 - October 2021. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to bring the word faithfully to his flock in Ballymena.
  • Be sure to check out the newest edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - September 2021 - just out this past week. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "In line with the restriction (MECQ) imposed by the National government in Rizal Province from Oct, 01 to 15, 2021, we are not still able to meet and worship God in our church building, today and thus, the preaching of God’s Word will be live-streamed on our Facebook page" by Rev. R.Smit. Rev. Ibe and Elder Penaverde are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Rev. Ibe will give a Word of edification and lead them as well in their study of the book of Ephesians 3 today, D.V.
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The congregation is called to gather for worship today. May we delight in doing so, for the Lord our God has graciously given us the opportunity to praise Him together and to feast spiritually on His Word. Rev. D.Kleyn will preach for us today, the Lord willing.
    
  • Read the last PRC missions newsletter - July 2021.

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 next four months Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on his series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:1,2 and titled "Faith, A Confident Conviction."
  
• 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

Check out this month's special resource on sale!

• Are you interested in learning 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

The Godly Life

The Reformed faith does not lead men to be careless or profane. This faith does not hold that one can “sin that grace may abound” (Rom. 6:1). Because one is chosen eternally of God, and because Christ died for him, there must evidence of godly fruit. True thankfulness must be seen—otherwise there is no evidence of eternal election. God has chosen His people unto good works (Eph. 2:10) and in order that we should be holy and without blame before Him (Eph. 1:4). There must be no alliance between light and darkness, between the Christian and the world (II Cor. 6:14). The “antithesis” must be evident -- the distinction between the good and the evil is to be seen in the Christian’s life.

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