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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 6, 2022

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Psalm 76 4Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this forty-fourth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, November 6.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. ...Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. ...Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? ...Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. ~ Psalm 76:1,2,4,7,11

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) is considering the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB - received Oct.23). He plans to answer by Nov.13.

  • Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands) is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received Oct.23). 

  • Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast-GR PRC) declined the call from Doon PRC.

  • Last Sunday First PRC-Grand Rapids called Rev. C. Spronk (Faith) to serve as her next pastor. He plans to answer by Nov.27.

  • Last Sunday Zion PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Laning (Hull) to labor as denominational home missionary. 

  • From Doon PRC's bulletin today: "The new trio from which to call our next pastor is Rev. Matthew De Boer [Edgerton PRC], Rev. Jonathan Mahtani [Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI], and Rev. David Noorman [SW PRC]. The congregational meeting has been scheduled for November 28."

  • Georgetown PRC's Council presented this trio to the congregation: Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Deboer (Edgerton PRC, MN), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, MI).  The congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday morning November 13, after the morning service.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. N. Decker in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J.Engelsma (1st Sunday)  in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. K. Koole in Hudsonville PRC; Elders lead in Randolph PRC May we count it 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.

  • Special Congregational events
    • Kalamazoo PRC: "This morning, we welcome Rev. Daniel Kleyn, one of our missionaries in the Philippines, to our pulpit and fellowship. A presentation of the missionary work will be given shortly after the service."

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PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

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PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary has now completed nine and a half weeks of the first semester of the new school year. Things go well, for which we thank our God.
  • Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC) spoke for the Wednesday chapel this past week.
  • The second round of Practice Preaching will be held on Monday, Nov.14. A. Haveman and A. Van Dyke will present their second sermons of the semester. Pray for them as they prepare for this and then deliver the sermons next week.
  • Some of the professors gace speeches in the last few weeks. Links to those speeches are made available above under the Reformation banner. 
  • Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) continues with his six-month internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani (July-Dec.). He is staying busy with all aspects of the work of the ministry.
  • The Fall 2022 issue of the PRT Journal  has been sent to the printer and should be available in about four weeks. The digital editions have been posted on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This new issue features articless by Prof. Griess (Calvin and the third mark of the true church), Kuiper (seminary history, chap.2), Prof. Gritters (introduction to an old article by Herman Hoeksema and a book review article), plus numerous book reviews. 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Georgetown PRC had an update on her India labors in her bulletin today: "Update on PRCV of Vellore: God has added new members to the Tamil church in the recent months. Bible studies in the book of Daniel continue weekly in both the Tamil and English churches. Monsoon season has come with cooler weather. Some of the children of the GHF are studying for examinations. The senior boys of the GHF are working on the new church building in making bricks and helping on other parts of construction. Pastor Raj continues in regular teaching sessions to area pastors desirous of joining a future Reformed Church Federation."

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and newly installed M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In his pastoral note this week, Pastor Tan followed up on the visit of their missionary, Pastor E. Singh: "Thank you all who attended the special presentation on the mission work by Pastor Singh last week. The near-full attendance indicates a love for the spread of the gospel in that land, put in our hearts by our God. Pastor Singh and his wife have safely returned back to India. May God continue to use our CERC Singapore family for the gospel work in CERC Kolkata, India. Here is a short summary of the presentation to each of us to note in our personal prayer life: 1) Translation work into Bengali (Bible, Creeds, Reformed literature) 2) Prayer for the fellowship’s institution as a church 3) Prayer for the COF/Baptism of 4 brothers and sisters in Christ 4) Prayer for mission and outreach work in Mumbai, in the slums. That the work will not be hindered by false doctrine (attack of common grace), false brothers, and idolatry) 5) Prayer for God to protect the saints from the high cases of dengue. Psalm 96:3-5 “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.”
    • The latest issue of Salt Shakers is available - Issue 67, September 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine is edifying for ALL readers!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
    • The October 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
    • For recordings of this summer's British Reformed Conference held in July, visit this BRF webpage.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe is serving as her pastor (no update this week as of yet).
    • Provident PRC bulletin: "Elder Bien Montoya will lead for us in our worship services today and will use Video recordings of sermons of Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. C. Spronk from PRCA for the preaching of God’s Word in our worship services today."

    • PRCP Classis: Classis of the congregations of PRCP met this past Monday, October 31, 2022, at Provident PRC, Marikina City.
    • PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 are continuing for this semester. "We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

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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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  • This month Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh, PA PRC) takes over the RWH program for the next few months. He will be delivering messages on various Bible passages. Today's message is titled "God's Promise Confirmed (1)" based on Acts 2:39.
  • 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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Do you or a loved one struggle with depression and anxiety? This resource will be of help to you in understanding it and receiving help in the Lord.

  • The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Regular hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-1.


  • 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.

  • The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 From Rev. W. Bruinsma's October 30, 2022 radio message "I Am God":

"Nor may this side of God’s power be ignored by us as we behold our God.  We read in verse 9 of Psalm 46 that God makes wars to cease, He breaks the bow, cuts the spear, and burns the chariot.  The bow, spear, and chariot were all weapons of war used in the days of Israel.  All these God breaks and burns so that even the end of war is brought about by God!  God sends war, but God also sends peace.  Nothing stands outside the bounds of His sovereign rule!  Come now and behold these works of God!  We do not look at them through the eyes of unbelief and rebel as so many do.  Unbelief manifests itself in so many different ways when it beholds God’s works.

"There are those who refuse to come and behold.  They dwell in darkness and refuse even to consider that all things take place by God.  This world develops by chance and everything in it by natural laws, they say—but there is no God in it all.  Others ignore the Bible and make up their own idol god who does not sovereignly control all things.  Certainly, the desolations we see in the earth do not fall under God’s control, they say.  The bad things of this world would not be under God’s control because God is a God of love and He would not send these things! 

"Then, who, pray tell, is in control of them and who sends them?  Satan?  Oh yes, they will answer, that wicked Satan!  Only he would do such horrible things!  But under whose control is Satan?  God does not have control of Satan?  Satan acts outside of God’s control?  Then Satan must also be God!  He must also have power equal to that of God and therefore must be God too—and not a creature of God’s hand.  But, Satan is a creature—an angel whom God created to do His will but who has fallen from his high estate and become evil.  Yet a creature who is subservient to his Creator.  We might ask, does Satan perform his dastardly deeds only by God’s permission, though God does not approve of them?  We could say that from a certain point of view.  At the same time it is equally true that if God is in control of Satan, He could stop Satan.  The fact the Psalmist explains is that God sends such desolations in the earth.  And He does it because He alone is God.

"We are called, fellow believers, to come before Jehovah God and behold His works through the eyes of faith.  Come and believe!  Believe that these things that take place in this world do not take place by chance!  God is in control.  He rules over all creatures, and nothing therefore escapes His will!  Stand before God and believe.  Then worship this God with reverence and godly fear!  If He is our refuge, then what reason have we to fear what happens in this world?  This God is for us and not against us.  If He is for us, nothing in this whole world can be against us!  Mingled with our godly fear therefore is the greatest of all joys!  We believe in this God because He is the God of our salvation!  He has delivered His people from all punishment in the blood of Jesus Christ.  He has made them into His very own children.  Believers are members of His family.  We have no need to fear for our safety or our welfare.  God who controls all things, even the desolations of this earth, will care for us.  Have you come into the presence of God?  Are you looking at Him?"

Last modified on 06 November 2022

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