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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for January 30, 2022

Psalm 39 4Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this fifth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, January 30. At the beginning of this new year, we praise the Lord for the hope we have in Him and the promise that He will guide us and provide for us in whatever circumstances He may lead us. May our worship today rise up to our faithful God as a sweet-smelling sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Savior.

LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. ...And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. ~ Psalm 39:4,5,7; 12-13

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.

  • Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call to Doon PRC (received Jan.16).

  • Rev. R. Barnhill  (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN) is considering calls to Heritage PRC (received Jan.9) and Hudsonville PRC (received Jan.16).
    May the Lord make His will plain to these men. 

  • Rev. J. Langerak is preparing to transition to his new pastorate in Covenant of Grace PRC. Plans are for him to preach his farewell in Heritage PRC on Feb.13, move to Spokane that week, and be installed in COG on Feb.27 by Rev. R. Hanko. May the Lord fulfill these plans according to their desire and His perfect will.
     
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. K. Koole in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. J. Laning (2nd week) in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Prof. J. Marcus in Grace PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Smidstra in Hudsonville PRCWhat a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs! Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

  • For those whose in-person public worship may still be limited, 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.

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  • Did you know that....
    • Hope PRC's (Walker, MI) Reformed Witness Committee is beginning a new podcast this Tuesday, Feb.1? Here's the notice they have sent out: "Announcing the Hope PRC RWC Podcast: A distinctly Reformed podcast which seeks to spread the truth of God’s Word. Starting February 1 with “Daily Devotions from the Psalms” by Rev. Heys, weekly Lord's Day sermons, and weekly speeches on relevant topics. Found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and www.hopeprchurch.org/podcast " May the Lord richly bless this new endeavor!
    • There is a Special Needs Bible Study that meets regularly in the West Michigan area? It used to be hosted by Faith PRC but is now done so by Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). Here's the latest notice about it: "Special Needs Bible Study will meet THIS Thursday [Feb.3] at 6:30 PM at Zion PRC. We encourage you to bring a friend this week and make a fun craft! Please RSVP to Laura Lubbers if you are able to make it: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

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  • PR Young People's Convention News
    • The 2022 PR Young Peoples Convention is in need of chaperones! Please register by February 5 at https://pryp.campbrainstaff.com. Plan to join us August 1-5 at the Cedarmore Camp and Conference Center in beautiful Kentucky to experience an unforgettable, spiritually uplifting time with our young people. Most of the young people have not had a convention since 2019 and many will be unable to attend another! They need chaperones to help make this a special experience! A consistory letter of approval must be uploaded as well. Contact Doug Dykstra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
    • The Program Committee is also looking for special numbers from PR Young People's Societies - group or individual performances are welcome! Contact Jessica Van Dyke at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland) leading chapel on Wednesday

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now two weeks in. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). Two of Prof. R. Cammenga’s classes are open for auditors: NT History and Dogmatics. NT History will begin with the passion of Christ and conclude with the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. Dogmatics will cover soteriology or the doctrine of salvation, including the critical doctrines of justification and sanctification. Prof. R. Dykstra’s class on Reformed Symbols (Creeds, Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession) is open as well. If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
  • Mr. S. Van Uffelen's special church history class from Covenant CHS church history visited this past Thursday for a few hours. They received a tour of the building and a talk about the seminary's history, enjoyed a pizza lunch with faculty and students, and then participated in a few interviews with the professors and students, before being exposed to the PRC archives and some of its treasures.
  • The seminary is open daily (8-5), including the library and bookstore, for our members and friends. 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.
  • The Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal is due from the printer this week and will be mailed out soon. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are now available on the seminary's website. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

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The January 2022 issue of "Covenant Refomred News" has been published (see note below)

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is busy serving the CERC faithfully each week. Part of his note to the congregation today brings this good news: "With joy I bring to you the good news that in light of the latest government regulations and after much consideration of many other factors, Session decided to return back to having two physical services every Sunday for all members from 6 Feb 22 onwards. More details of how this will be done will be released soon."
    • The most recent issue of "Reformed News Asia" is available - December 2021 - #65. 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. 
    • Sign up for the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 9, to Saturday, July 16. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
    • Be sure to check out the January 2022 edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - just published this past week! Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • The latest Philippines Newsletter is available - January 2022 (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column).
    • Berean PRC bulletin: "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today via live stream. 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. Kleyn will preach and lead our worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page. The Catechism Class for our Youth led by Rev. D. Kleyn will meet this afternoon at 1 pm in our sanctuary on Article 14 of BC, the Lord willing."
    • The PRCP seminary has resumed in-person classes at the Seminary Library in Beverly Hills, Antipolo. 

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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 Hebrews 11:27 and titled "By Faith Moses Endured."
  • 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

Hoeksema Wonder grace
Back in print! The Wonder of Grace

This edition of The Wonder of Grace is a reprint of the 1982 edition of Herman Hoeksema’s little classic on God’s sovereign grace. Originally a series of radio sermons broadcast on the Reformed Witness Hour program, The Wonder of Grace was first published as a book in 1944. In order to remain faithful to the words and ideas of the author, changes made to this edition were only stylistic in nature.

The author develops the concept of salvation by grace from the choosing of the believer by grace to the glorifying of the believer through grace. Each of the fifteen chapters is devoted to one aspect of the grace God bestows on the believer in the process of salvation. And as he progresses through the chapters, the reader will grow in the knowledge and confidence that salvation is by grace alone and that God is worthy of all praise and glory.

  • The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is open four days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10am - 1pm!

  • 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.

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"There are some who think that worshipers must all be long-faced. Everyone ought to dress in black; all ought to refrain from smiling; and the entire mood of the worship must be as though it were a funeral. If Reformed worship services are guilty of that, that is not because of the faith or the worship, but because of misunderstanding in the preacher and the people. True worship in spirit and in truth will be joyful worship. How can it be otherwise? The gospel is preached!!! The gospel of our misery is preached, and we are brought low by the Spirit of Christ working in us the guilt of sin. Sometimes we come to church burdened with trouble in our life, with the guilt of sin pressing hard on us. But Jesus Christ is preached, the glorious truth that the blood of the lamb was shed, that redemption is accomplished and applied to believers, that salvation is "Yea and Amen," that God is the rock of our salvation, that we lay our trust in Him! Oh, then worship is a joyful, active, and thankful activity by the Reformed believer. That man that comes to worship his great God, knowing his sins, and hearing the gospel of forgiveness, must necessarily be the happiest man alive.”

~ Prof. B. Gritters, "Public Worship and the Reformed Faith"

Last modified on 30 January 2022

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