PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 7, 2023

Today, May 7, is the nineteenth 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.

The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. ...The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. ...Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD. ...Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. ~ Psalm 97:1,2,6,8,9,12

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• This morning Rev. J. Holstege was installed as the eleventh pastor in First PRC's history (Grand Rapids, MI). Prof. C. Griess led the service and Rev. Holstege preached his inaugural sermon in the evening. We pray that the Lord will grant him a faithful and fruitful ministry in this congregation.
  
  
• Today Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC) declined the call to Georgetown PRC.
  
  
• Today Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison-MI) declined the call to Loveland (CO) PRC.
  
  
• Randolph PRC's Council has a new trio from which the congregation will choose a pastor: Revs. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), J. Maatman (SE PRC-Grand Rapids, MI), and D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregational meeting is planned for May 21 following the morning worship service.
  
  
• Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) is considering the call to Doon (IA) PRC (received April 23). He plans to answer by May 14.
  
  
• Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA) is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received April 23). He plans to answer by May 14.
  
  
• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call to Lynden (WA) PRC (received April 23).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. S. Key in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. R. Cammenga in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Spronk in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Elder-led in Randolph PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. W. Langerak 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

• Hope PR Ministry Podcast - "Daily recordings of archived Beacon Lights devotionals from “Watching Daily at My Gates” continue to be added to our podcast. This past month we began posting Rev. Mahtani’s series of sermons on the book of Philippians and lectures by Prof. Hanko on the biblical doctrine of suffering. These will both continue into the coming month. ...Please continue to follow Hope PR Ministry and share the podcast with your friends and acquaintances."
• Byron Center PRC: "The Community Bible Study plans to meet this Thursday to continue discussion of John 19:14 and following. Join us at 7:30 p.m. on May 11 at church for a discussion of Jesus in the hands of wicked men and God's purpose for it. Hope you can come!"
• 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

Evangelism and Missions Conference: If you missed the DMC's conference this past weekend, you may hear the speeches here:

• The Evangelistic Character of the Covenant - Rev. J. Mahtani - Part 1; Part 2
• Echoing the Word: The Power of God in Preaching and Evangelism - Rev. D. Holstege

Classis East will meet this Wednesday, May 10, in Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) beginning at 8 a.m. Most of the agenda involves matters relating to sexual abuse. May God give the delegates wisdom to make decisions that please Jesus the King of the church and are for the wellbeing of the churches.

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 this Friday, May 12. 

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PRT Seminary will enter its fifteenth and final week of classes tomorrow, with the week of exams to follow. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final days of the semester. The last day of classes is May 12, with exams scheduled for May 15-19. The second semester schedule and calendar are posted on the seminary's website. 
• Matt Koerner will be in charge of the daily devotions this week, another "last time" in his seminary career.
• 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.).
• Sem. Arend Haveman will be doing his senior-year internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. Details for that continue to be worked out.
• This Friday, May 12, the PRTS will have the church history students (juniors) and teachers from Covenant Christian High School as special guests. They will join faculty, students, and staff for lunch and have four presentations on various aspects of the seminary and PRC history/archives. Their annual visit is always a highlight for the seminary.
• 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 has been mailed out recently. 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!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In her bulletin today is this special notice: "The men's fellowship has been doing book discussions after morning worship. This Sunday, Bro Suan Kiat is chairing from the book Called to Watch for Christ's Return by Martyn McGeown, Chapter 18, The Final Judgment of the Sheep and Goats."
    
  • There's a new issue of Salt Shakers out! Issue 69 is on the theme "GST: The Christian's Response." Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers! Visit the link provided here to read and learn. 

• 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!
  • There's a new issue of Covenant Reformed News out! The April 2023 issue has been posted here.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (the salvation of Hagar and Ishmael) and R. Hanko (the double procession of the Spirit).
  • 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. R. Smit led her services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., on May 6 & 7. Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 A.M., and study of the Church Order at 10:45 A.M., all the Lord willing."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her services today.

Reformed Resources for Education, Edification, and Evangelism

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

• This month the RWH begins a marriage series by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "Marriage Is Given by God" based on Genesis 2:18-24. For the May RWH 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.). 

MAY BOOK SALE!

This month only, get your copies of Bound to Join and A Defense of the Church Institute by David Engelsma for $9.99 each, or $18 for the set! Order both today and save on shipping by clicking the picture below or the "Monthly Sales" button on the RFPA website homepage! In the form of letters to an inquiring (though not always appreciative) European audience, Bound to Join addresses the issue of church membership in the twenty-first century.  This instruction is applicable to all believers and is based on scripture, the Belgic Confession, and the important, but little-known, controversy of John Calvin with the Nicodemites. A Defense is a companion volume to Bound to Join, answering those critics of the book, defending the doctrine of church membership, and demonstrating that love for the universal, invisible church invariably expresses itself by love for the manifestation of this church in the church institute. This book also examines the "house church" movement and the claim by such men as Harold Camping that the church age has ended.

• 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.

• 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 (downtown Hudsonville, MI) ISnow operating in 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

"Revile is an ugly biblical word, and one we hardly use. The sin it describes, however, occurs far too frequently in our covenant conversations, marriages, homes, schools, and churches. And the words we use—name-calling, trash-talking, teasing, kidding, losing our cool, bullying or even verbal abuse—all minimize the despicable, destructive, malicious, and vicious nature of reviling. And often, then, so does any medicine we prescribe. Rather than treat the reviler’s stone-cold heart, we instead patch up the bruised and bloodied victim with the three T’s, “take it, turn the other cheek, and tough it out,” which in covenant relationships are the spiritual equivalent of “be warm and be full” (James 2:16). And so the vile murder continues.

"...Certainly, a child of God can fall into this sin. He has a depraved heart too. But he will not and may not let it characterize his life. Not if he loves Christ, who was reviled to forgive the repentant reviler (the thief on the cross comes to mind); and not if he has the mind of Christ, who when He was reviled, reviled not again but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (I Pet. 2:23). And Christ never reviles those He loves. And neither may we. Yes, as Christians, we may expect to be reviled for His sake. As Christians, being reviled, we must bless; and being persecuted, we must suffer it, likewise committing our souls to the righteous Judge (I Cor. 4:12). But woe unto him who reviles even one little one whom Christ loves and for whom He died. If so, repent. Say, “I’m so sorry.” Pray for forgiveness. And revile not again. For Christ’s sake."

Taken from the word study "Revile" by Rev. W. Langerak