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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 30, 2023

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Psalm 96 8Today, April 30, is the eighteenth 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 sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 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. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. ~ Psalm 96:1-6

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

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

  • Last Sunday Doon (IA) PRC called Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI).

  • Last Sunday Hudsonville PRC called Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA).

  • Last Sunday Lynden (WA) PRC called Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA).

  • Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC) is considering the call to Georgetown PRC - received April 10). He plans to answer by May 7. 

  • Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison-MI) is considering the call to Loveland (CO) PRC (received April 16).
  • On March 26 Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI) accepted the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. He will be installed next Sunday, May 7, with Prof. C. Griess leading the service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. S. Key in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. J. Maatman in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Mahtani in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Smidstra in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Langerak (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer in Randolph PRC; in Rev. K. Koole and Rev. M. DeVries in Zion 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

  • 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. Refreshments will be served afterwards."
  • Byron Center PRC: "Plans are underway to host a community service on Ascension Day [May 18]. The evangelism committee will be arranging to print flyers for distribution and to host refreshments afterward. Please consider which friends or neighbors you might invite to join us that evening."
  • 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

missions conf May 2023

DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: The Mission Development Committee of the DMC, along with the Evangelism Committees of Grandville PRC and Trinity PRC, are holding a Missions Conference on May 4-5, 2023 at Trinity PRC. This conference aims to discuss timely topics such as the essence and necessity of home missions, personal witnessing, and the believer’s role in home missions. More information about the conference (i.e. topics, themes, etc.) can be found at grandvilleprc.org/missionsconference.

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 Apr 28 2023
Another enjoyable Friday lunch together this past Friday with some local guests

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PRT Seminary will enter its fourteenth 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. 
  • Bruce Feenstra will be in charge of the daily devotions this week.  Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, PRTS class of 2011) will lead the Wednesday morning chapel.
  • With joy the faculty of the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary announces that it has licensed student Aaron Van Dyke to speak a word of edification in the churches. We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training. All scheduling of Mr. Van Dyke must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. R. Cammenga (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The TSC has hired Ms. Valerie Kleyn to take over the secretary duties of Mrs. Sharon (Kleyn) Koerner. Valerie will begin training on May 8, with Sharon's final day planned for Friday, May 26. We thank the Lord for providing another qualified person to fill this important position at the seminary.
  • The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal came back from the printer already and were mailed last week. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here). 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!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Georgetown PRC (MI) - Update on Pastor Paul Raj in Vellore, India (in her bulletin today): "Pastor Paul Raj is doing well after 4 chemo treatments. He will have a PET scan on May 1 to determine if further treatment is needed. He has been able to preach for the last two Sundays. Jehovah - Emit (Faithful) “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God…” Deut. 7:9"

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC.
    • 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 has been 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., and in Dinggalan, Aurora 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 titled "Preservation of the Saints" (2) based on John 10:27-29. 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.). 

Calvinism Truth RCH 2011 cover 
This powerful defense of biblical Calvinism over against Arminianism will be of profit to you! Read and be strengthened in your faith in God's sovereignty in salvation.

  • 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. Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. 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

"I know that my Redeemer liveth.”

He lives!

He is the Almighty, unchangeable Jehovah, who keeps covenant with His people forever. He sovereignly rules over all things, so that not a hair can fall from our heads except by His will. He has the storms in His hands, the lightning that took Job’s sheep, the wind that destroyed his children. Even the wrath of men shall praise Him, for devils, and Sabeans, and Chaldeans, and all wicked men are but instruments in His hand to carry out His counsel. His grace abideth ever. He will not always chide, neither will He keep His anger forever. His anger lasts a moment, His favor all the day. For He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.

He lives! Jehovah, the God of our salvation lives.

How much richer these words are for us now, since the cross and the resurrection have become a historical reality. The Son of God came into our flesh, suffered, died and was buried. For a moment even the disciples despaired, so that they hid themselves in bitter sorrow.

Their master had been taken from them. The one whom they professed to be the Christ, the Son of the living God, had perished in the hands of wicked men, and His body was laid away in the grave. They failed to understand the cross, and therefore all looked so utterly dark and hopeless. Yet that one flame of faith and hope within their souls never entirely faded out. On the contrary, it suddenly flared up to shine forth in glorious brilliancy.

Jesus arose as victor over death. He had paid the ransom for sin. He had satisfied God’s justice. And God raised Him up to exalt Him to power and glory in the highest heavens. We now see Jesus with an eye of faith, crowned with glory and honor, living and reigning with God forever! “He arose, a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign.”

He lives! Yes, we know He lives, for He has come to dwell with us in the Spirit. He lives even now within our hearts.

Continue reading from the Standard Bearer meditation "My Redeemer Liveth" by Rev. C. Hanko

Last modified on 01 May 2023

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