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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 28, 2021 *(Updated)

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, November 28, the forty-eighth Lord's Day of this year 2021.Psalm 32 7

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 Creator and Redeemer, who is worthy of all honor and glory.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. ~ Psalm 32:1-2,7,11

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 Hudsonville PRC extended a call to Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison, MI). He plans to answer by Dec.19.

  • Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) has a new trio of Revs. J.Holstege (Zion PRC), J. Langerak (Heritage PRC), and D.Noorman (Southwest PRC); the congregation will vote from this trio tonight. *UPDATE: Rev. J. Langerak received this call.

  • The Council of Doon PRC has formed a new trio of Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), and Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for tomorrow evening, Nov.29. *UPDATE: Rev. C. Spronk received this call.
     
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Engelsma (1st week) in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. H.Bleyenberg (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T.Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton; Rev. J.Holstege and Rev. D.Lee in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. J.Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. C.Griess 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...
    • Loveland PRC's Evangelism Committee sponsors a special Bible study at Colorado State University in Fort Collins? This note is in her bulletin today: The evangelism committee encourages our young adults and particularly those of college age to attend our last CSU Bible study of this year on December 7th, at 6:00 p.m. in room 308 in the Lori Study Center. Pizza will be served.
    • Immanuel PRC's elders (Lacombe, AB) are leading the services and using video sermons today and last Sunday while her pastor is in Doon PRC for a classical appointment? Not always easy to find pulpit supply in the West, and Canada in particular, but what great good modern technology can be for hearing the Word. Today that word came through Rev. C. Haak and Prof. B. Huizinga.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

General items:

  • Rev. D. Holstege and his wife Leah plan to return to West Michigan from the Philippines this week after finishing up their labors and personal property there. He preached his farewells today in the Berean and Provident PRCs. May the Lord grant them grace as they part the saints there and prepare to take up their life and work in Wingham PRC.
  • Rev. J.Marcus is filling the pulpit of Crete PRC today while Rev. J. Engelsma is in Spokane, WA on classical appointment.
  • In contrast to last year when no annual sister-church visits could be made due to the pandemic, visits are being planned to N.Ireland and Singapore for December and January. May the Lord fulfill these plans and preparations. Details will be provided by the PRC Contact Committee in due time.

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PRC Seminary Notices:

  • This past week the seminary completed its thirteenth week of the first semester, with two weeks left before exams. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they move toward the end of the semester. You will find the semester schedule and calendar posted on the seminary's website.
  • The seminary's special conference on preaching was held on Oct.28-29 at Trinity PRC. If you were unable to attend and would like to listen to the speeches, they are available here and here. The videos have also now been posted to the seminary YouTube channel.
  • The Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal is being put together. If you missed the Spring issue, it is currently available in its digital forms on the seminary's website as well as 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.
  • The seminary library and bookstore are open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and Bible needs. The bookstore is a good place to find gifts for the Christmas season! The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • From Today's bulletin: We now anticipate the next big event of our church, the Christmas Gospel Meeting, diligently organized by the Evangelism Committee. Before you mark your calendars and send our invitations to loved ones for this event, let us remember to pray specifically for the salvation of those who we are working to invite in these next few weeks leading up to the event. Let us pray boldly, knowing our Sovereign God has sovereignly saved us totally depraved sinners. There is no stopping of God’s irresistible grace. Let us also pray submissively and reverentially, knowing that God is please to both through the gospel, soften or hardened hearts, according to God’s good pleasure and eternal counsel.
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers magazine is out! The October issue (#66) is available online. Our young people and young adults are especially encouraged to read it.
    • The last issue of "Reformed News Asia" is October 2021 - #64. 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 the saints in Ballymena.
    • There's a new CPRC newsletter available this month! Visit this page to view it and read it (*cf. the newsletter column on the right side of the webpage).
    • Be sure to check out the last edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - October 2021. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. Holstege will lead us in our 1st worship service and Rev. Ibe in our 2nd worship service today, D.V. We welcome Rev. Holstege and Sis. Leah in our pulpit and into our fellowship today. Rev. Holstege will preach his farewell sermon to us this morning with a view to leaving the Philippines to take up the work God has called him to do in Wingham PRC.
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Holstege will preach for us today, the Lord willing. He will also be preaching his farewell sermon this afternoon with a view to leaving the Philippines and taking up the work to which the Lord has called him in the Wingham PRC. We welcome him and Sis. Leah to our pulpit and into our fellowship.

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

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  • Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Heb.11:13-16 and titled "Desiring a Better Country."
  • "The REFORMED WITNESS HOUR (RWH) COMMITTEE thanks you, PRC members, friends, and donors, for your prayers and financial support during 2021.  As you plan for your year-end giving, we ask that you prayerfully consider helping with one of these current RWH costs: continued broadcasts on WYLL in the Chicago area and extended Internet outreach through our website (reformedwitnesshour.org), social media, and SermonAudio.  Thank you for your continued support of this important PRC ministry."
  • Did you read the November RWH newsletter? Visit the link to do so today and keep up with what is happening on the program and website!
  • 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

HHanko summer class federal organic
Check out this new resource, added this week! The lectures from Prof. H. Hanko's summer seminar on "God's Federal and Organic Dealings with Men."

  • 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 running their 25% off sale for the month of December again this year. This sale includes 25% off most books, Bibles, and Bible covers. Come visit us Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10am - 1pm!

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

Refuge in the Storms
"For the first time, the covenant name of God occurs in the psalm. “God” in the translation of the Authorized Version is in the Hebrew original the name Jehovah. This name of covenant faithfulness, fulfilled in the New Testament in the name Jesus, is added to the name of sovereign power, Adonai, that is, Lord. With regard to all the troubles of earthly life, the psalmist puts his trust in the God of the covenant. In his covenant with the psalmist as a member of Israel, God has promised to be good to the psalmist, not only regarding spiritual life and a future heaven, but also regarding earthly life with all its circumstances here and now. This God can be relied on. He is faithful. In addition, he is mighty to accomplish his promise. He governs health and sickness, prosperity and adversity, success and failure, physical life and physical death. He is Lord of earth, as of heaven.

"The word translated “trust” refers to making the Lord Jehovah one’s refuge. In all the storms of earthly life—the sorrows and disappointments, the loss and shame, the poverty and bereavement, the scorn and persecution—the psalmist makes God his refuge. There will be storms. If there are no storms in the life of the child of God, there is no need of a refuge. If these storms are not violent, there is no need of God as a refuge. To the very last verse, Psalm 73 utterly demolishes the notion that divine love and blessing mean earthly prosperity, ease, and success, whether for the true church (Israel) or for the individual child of God (the psalmist). The psalmist makes God his refuge by believing the covenant promise, “I will be your God, and I will do you good.” With God as his refuge, the psalmist weathers the storms. He bears the troubles patiently. With God as his refuge, the psalmist lets the storms do their profitable work upon him. The troubles work his glory. With God as his refuge, the psalmist will not again stumble and nearly fall, regardless of the severity of the storm in his own life and regardless of the seeming tranquility of the ungodly. God is the “rock of my heart” (v. 26).

~ Prof. David Engelsma in his book Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints: An Exposition of Psalm 73 (quoted in a recent RFPA blog post)

Last modified on 02 December 2021