PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 17, 2021

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, October 17, the forty-second 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,

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. ~ Psalm 27:4-6

• 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 Sunday Rev. D. Lee accepted the call to Kalamazoo PRC. He and his wife are moving into the parsonage this week and he will be installed by Rev. C. Griess on Nov.7, D.V.
  
  
• Today Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) declined the calls to Doon PRC and Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill declined the call to Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA.
  
  
• The Council of Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) has a new trio of potential pastors to the congregation of Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC), Rev. C.Spronk (Faith PRC) and Rev. Dan Holstege (Missionary, Philippines). The congregation will call next Sunday, Oct.24.
  
  
• Wingham PRC has announced a new trio of Revs. D.Holstege, D.Kleyn, and D.Lee. The congregation votes today.
   
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. Rev. M. Kortus (2 weeks) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. M.DeVries in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. J.Mahtani in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. J.Maatman in Kalamazoo PRC; Rev. J.Smidstra 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.
  
  
• Did you know that...
  •  these congregations are having Reformation Day lectures this year?
    • Covenant of Grace (Spokane, WA): Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m. Prof. Cammenga will speak on "The Reformation's Recovery of Marriage and the Christian Family".
    • Crete PRC (IL): Friday, October 29, 7 p.m. Mr. Dan Van Uffelen will speak on "Post Tenebras Lux: The Vocation Reformation."
    • Hull PRC (IA): Friday, October 22, 7:30 p.m. Prof. Kuiper will speak on “Luther Burning the Papal Bull: Encouragement to Flaunt Church Discipline?
    • Loveland PRC (CO): Thursday, October 21, 7 p.m. Prof. D.Kuiper will speak on "Luther Burning the Papal Bull: Encouragement to Flaunt Church Discipline?”
    • Pittsburgh (PA) PRC: Friday, November 5, 7 p.m. Rev. W. Bruinsma, on the life and labors of Augustine of Hippo.
    • Randolph PRC: Friday evening, November 5, 7:30 P.M. Rev. Guichelaar plans to give a presentation on the CRC split from the RCA in 1857.
  • Doon PRC (NW Iowa) is undergoing a building addition? Today's bulletin announced what progress can mean: On October 17 and 24 we will be unable to enter through the south doors of the building. Either of the north doors can be used to enter the building, and the ushers will usher from both of the front doors of the sanctuary.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Concerning Rev. D.Holstege and family: Rev. and Sis. Leah Holstege and family have now received the necessary documents and permission from the Philippine Government to return to the
Philippines. They are scheduled to return on Nov. 17, the Lord willing. Upon arrival, they will undergo a mandatory quarantine. Let us pray for them as they make preparations for their return. (Provident PRC bulletin)

PRC Seminary Notices:

• This past week the seminary completed its eighth week of the new school year (2021-22). Students have been taking mid-terms exams. This week Thursday and Friday (Oct.21-22) is the annual reading recess. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they conduct the day-to-day work. The semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website.
• The Spring PRT Journal is now available in its digital forms on the seminary's website and in print. If you wish to pick up a copy, stop in at the seminary. If you want to be added to our mailing list, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• 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 month - Oct.28 & 29! Seminary Conference on Preaching: 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. The conference will be livestreamed for people who are interested but unable to join in person. (*see attachment for the conference flyer!)
  
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

Building of Berean PRC, Manila

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • Today's bulletin: The Lord willing, we will be having our annual Reformation Day Conference on the 3rd and 4th of Nov. Mark your calendars down sent out the invites! Based on the reformational principle of Semper Reformanda, which means, "Reformed and always reforming", the theme of the 2021 RDC is “Always Reforming in Me”. The first speech is entitled, “The Word and Creeds in Me”. There, we would treat the question of how should God’s Word and the Reformed Confessions relate to our personal lives. In the second speech, “The Reformation Living in Me” we will be looking at the life of Martin Luther and the
    reformation, with the special focus on how we can live out the reformation personally in our lives in our present-day to the glory of God.
  • 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 minister the Word faithfully to his flock in Ballymena.
  • Plan to attend this year’s Reformation Day Lecture on Friday, 29 October, entitled “Fulgentius of Ruspe, the Sixth-Century N. African Church and God’s Saving Will.”
  • Be sure to check out the newest edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - September 2021. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe led the 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 our Facebook page.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D.Kleyn will lead our worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page.
    
  • The Classis meeting of the PRCP is scheduled for Monday, November 1, at 9:00 a.m., to be held at the Berean PRC in Antipolo City.

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 11:4 and titled "Abel's More Excellent Sacrifice."
  
• 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 begin 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.).
  

--------------------------------------------------------------------

REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

What are you reading for Reformation month? This fine collection of essays will inform and inspire you to carry on the work of reformation!

• 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

Christ’s Return

The Reformed faith looks forward confidently to the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ on the clouds of heaven. In Matthew 24 Christ speaks of signs which precede His return. We see those signs being fulfilled today. We do not know the day or the hour of His return, but we know that it must be at hand. This ought to impress the church with the urgency to carry out its tasks faithfully to the end. It must preach the Word; it must evangelize; it must teach the children so that they may be prepared for the evil days which come upon the church. And the earnest prayer of the church is for Christ’s coming: “Even so, come Lord Jesus, quickly!” (Rev. 22:20).

The above [the complete pamphlet] is not designed in any way to be an exhaustive treatment of the “Reformed” faith. It should however, give a “thumbnail” description of that faith which has been held so precious through the centuries. On the basis of the glorious truths for which many gave their lives, we also would desire to seek fellowship with those who love these same truths so as to encourage and strengthen one another in the most holy faith.

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