News

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 23, 2023 *(Updated)

Contents[Show]

Psalm 95 2Today, April 23, is the seventeenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. ...For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. ~ Psalm 95:1-3, 6,7a

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Last Sunday Loveland PRC voted to call Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison-MI).

  • Today Rev. N. Decker declined the calls from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) and from Randolph PRC (WI).

  • Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC) is considering the call to Georgetown PRC - received April 10).

  • Doon PRC's Consistory has formed a new trio of Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC-MI), Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-MI), and Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-MI). They plan to call from this trio today. *Rev. Mahtani has received this call.
  • Hudsonville PRC's Council has formed a new trio: Revs. A Brummel (Calvary PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-MI). The congregational meeting is set for today after the evening service. * Rev. Brummel has received this call.

  • Lynden PRC's Consistory presents a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. Matt Kortus (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA), Rev. Justin Smidstra (First PRC, Holland, MI), and Rev. Richard Smit (Philippine Mission)."  The congregation will vote today. *Rev. Kortus has received this call.

  • On March 26 Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI) accepted the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. He plans to preach his farewell sermon at Zion today and will be installed on May 7 in First PRC, D.V., with Prof. C. Griess leading the service.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. A. Spriensma and Prof. B. Huizinga in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Rev. J. Engelsma and Rev. A. Spriensma in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Noorman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Langerak (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Rev. K. Koole 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. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

  • Congregational Evangelism/Mission News
    • Faith PRC-Jenison, MI: "The Reformed Doctrines Class meets this week Wednesday, April 26, at Faith Church (7:30 p.m.). Prof. D. Engelsma will teach the fascinating and difficult doctrine of providence, specifically, divine providence in regard to the fall of man in the sin of Adam. Did God govern the disobedience of Adam? If He did, does this reality minimize, or even negate, the responsibility of Adam? All ages are welcome."
    • Peace PRC-Dyer, IN: "The Peace Evangelism spring lecture "Ye are My Witnesses: How and Why God's People Speak to Others about Christ" by Professor B. Gritters will be presented on Friday, May 5 at 7:00pm. The lecture will be live streamed and recorded."
    • Save the date - October 27 at Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI): Rev. James Laning will speak on the work of evangelism in the local congregations. More information to follow.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: To be held at Trinity PRC the evenings of May 4 and 5, 2023.  The theme is "Not Ashamed of the Gospel: Rekindling Zeal for Evangelism and Missions", with speeches by Rev. J. Mahtani and Rev. D. Holstege, as well as discussion group sessions on topics related to missions and personal evangelism. We hope to see you there!

PRC 100th Anniversary: "With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI."

PRC Minister/Teacher Scholarship Fund: Information for the 2023 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 12th. 

Fri lunch April 2023
Another enjoyable Friday lunch together this past Friday with local and out-of-town guests

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PRT Seminary will enter its thirteenth week this week. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final weeks of the semester. The last day of classes is May 12, with exams scheduled the week after. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar are posted on the seminary's website. 
  • The second round of practice preaching was held the past two weeks at SW PRC, with three students presenting sermons, including Sem. M. Koerner's final one at seminary.
  • Prof. D. Kuiper traveled to Hull, IA this weekend to preach for Calvary PRC.
  • Aaron Van Dyke will be in charge of the daily devotions this week. Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC, class of 2019) will lead the Wednesday chapel.
  • The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal came back from the printer already this last week and is being preppred for mailing. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here), with the print copies coming the end of this month or beginning of May. The Spring issue features articles on a distinctive feature of PRC teaching on the covenant of grace, on the image of God in man from a conference in Mexico, on R.L. Dabney's "proposals of mercy," and the first part of a history of Classis West of the PRC - and, of course, several significant 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!

Gospel to all nations

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Hope PRC-Walker, MI - Update on Myanmar (in her bulletin today): "The Myanmar Committee reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus, Elder Naw Taung, and Deacon Joseph. Violence and civil unrest in Myanmar has led to heightened military restrictions and a severe lack of city water, electricity, fuel, medication, and household income. Despite these troubles, the spiritual life of the church is good. Visitors continue to attend the worship services and there are many requests for Reformed literature. The U.S. Embassy has received the necessary paperwork for Rev. Titus and his family, but they are uncertain when permission will be granted and their visit to America will be possible. Although Rev. Kap Mang’s health continues to deteriorate, he is greatly encouraged by our support."

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. From her bulletin today we find this note: "“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). In Christ, we see that God is a simple God. “Simplicity” is an attribute, or perfection of God, just like love or holiness is an attribute. That God is simple means two things: 1) there is only one God, and 2) God is not divided into parts. This means that all of God’s attributes harmonise perfectly in Himself, without any contradiction. His love does not go against His holiness, nor His righteousness against His goodness. In Christ, we see God’s simplicity: God is merciful in saving us sinners from hell; at the same time, God is righteous for punishing our sin (He cannot wink at sin!) on the person of Jesus Christ, our Mediator."
    • The last issue of Salt Shakers was made available earlier this year - Issue 68, December 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
    • The last newsletter of the CPRC was published last month - March 2023 which you will find on this page (rh column at the top). Read about the exciting work going on in the CPRC!
    • The March 2023 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published late last month!  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (was Hagar saved?) and R. Hanko (Christ's reign as King over against dispensational teaching).
    • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • A March 2023 Newsletter was recently published. Be sure to visit the linked page to learn about the latest news from the Philippines!
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our official Facebook page, the Lord willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today.

Reformed Resources for Education, Edification, and Evangelism

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

CGriess 2019

  • This month the RWH continues to re-broadcast a series by Prof. C. Griess on the doctrines of grace (five points of Calvinism). Today's message is a special re-broadcast of a message by Herman Hoeksema titled "Whosoever Will May Come" based on Revelation 22:19. For the April RHW Newsletter, visit this page.
  • 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.). 

Ignited mag April 2023 
The April issue of our children's magazine, Ignited by the Word, will be in mailboxes soon! This issue's theme is friendship. Subscribe to Ignited today for 46 PAGES of fun activities, Bible stories about godly friendship, and art submissions from kids across the country!

  • Would you like to learn 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.

Reformed Book Outlet 2022 2

  • 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. *The Reformed Book Outlet has a new sale going on! We have 25% off all books in our children’s book section until the end of April! Now would be a great time to stock up on some summer reading material for the kids and to come check out the new arrivals to the children’s section! They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.

  • 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

"The apostle Paul desires above all to know the power of Christ's resurrection. 

"The resurrection of Jesus Christ has power. The power of His resurrection is the power of salvation. It is the power to deliver us from our sins and miseries. 

"This is why it is so tragic that many in the church world are denying Christ's resurrection. Many view the biblical account of the resurrection as a fabrication of the disciples or a myth intended to convey that Jesus lives on in the memory of His followers. Jesus, they say, never did rise from the dead; He is still in the grave. By this denial they deny a key work of God in salvation and turn their backs on the power of salvation. 

"It was Paul's desire to know the power of Jesus' resurrection. He was not interested merely in knowing the facts of resurrection and its power. He wanted to know the power of Christ's resurrection personally in is own life. He wanted to experience the saving power of the resurrection as it brought him salvation. That knowledge was of all things most precious to Paul. He considered all things expendable to attain that knowledge. 

"Is this knowledge most precious to you?"

From the Standard Bearer meditation "Knowing the Power of Christ's Resurrection" by by Rev. J. Slopsema

Last modified on 24 April 2023

Leave a comment

back to top

Contact Details

Denomination

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Reading Sermon Library
  • Taped Sermon Library

Synodical Officers

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Interim)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Synodical Committees

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact/Missions

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Classical Officers

Classis East
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Classis West
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.