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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 21, 2023 *(Updated)

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Psalm 99 9Today, May 21, is the twenty-first 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 people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. ...Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. ~ Psalm 99:1-3, 5

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Today Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) declined the call to Lynden (WA) PRC.

  • Last Sunday Rev. J. Mahtani declined the call to Doon PRC.

  • Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel declined the call to Hudsonville PRC.

  • The Consistory of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) has formed a new trio of Revs. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), J. Mahtani (Hope PRC, GR), and M. Kortus (Hope PRC, Redlands). The congregation will vote today after the PM service. *NEW: Rev. Kortus received this call.

  • Loveland PRC's Council has a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Rev. Matt Kortus (Hope PRC - Redlands, CA), Rev. Bill Langerak (Trinity PRC), and Rev. Jacob Maatman (Southeast PRC). The congregation will vote today after the evening service. *NEW: Rev. Kortus received this call.

  • 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 congregation will vote today following the morning worship service. *NEW: Rev. Noorman received this call.

  • Zion PRC's Council formed a trio to call a pastor: Revs A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison, MI). The congregation will vote today after the evening service. *NEW: Rev. Spronk received this call.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. S. Regnerus in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. McGeown in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. R. Hanko (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. DeVries (2nd week) in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. K. Koole 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

  • From Hudsonville PRC Evangelism Committee: "In Psalm 127 verses 4 and 5, David taught his son Solomon: “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” As fletching helps an arrow fly straight and true to its target, so we hope this podcast will help to guide our young children and point them to Christ. Join us in bringing the Word of God into our homes and hearts, and subscribe now to our Reformed children’s podcast "Fletching". Look for the flyer in the next monthly newsletter with more information."
  • Edgerton (MN) PRC: "May a woman be a preacher, an elder, or a deacon? Why or why not? If not, what is her role in the church and is it really that meaningful? Come to Edgerton Protestant Reformed Church on Friday, June 23 at 7 PM to hear Pastor De Boer speak about the place a woman has in the church according to God’s Word."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

missions conf May 2023

Evangelism and Missions Conference: If you missed the DMC's conference earlier ths month, you may hear the speeches here:

Classis East met May 10-11 in Faith PRC (Jenison, MI). The public report of this meeting has been posted on this webpage.

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.

Picnic Griess May 2023
The seminary 'family' enjoyed its end-of-the-year picnic at the Griess' Saturday evening

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PRT Seminary completed its second semester this past week, with final exams being taken. As we enter the spring/summer break, continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we shift to other labors and responsibilities, including preparing for the 2023-24 school year. The professors will also be preparing for serving as advisors at the PRC Synod meeting June 13-16. 
  • 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 brother led his first service in First PRC-Holland, MI this morning.
  • Senior Seminarian Matt Koerner is preparing for his synodical exam at the PRC Synod that begins on June 13 at Southwest PRC. His graduation is scheduled for June 15 in that church. 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. Sem. A. Van Dyke will keep busy ith work and preaching assignments. Sem. B. Feenstra will be returning home to Redlands, CA for the summer.
  • The TSC has hired Ms. Valerie Kleyn to take over the secretary duties of Mrs. Sharon (Kleyn) Koerner. Valerie has been training for a few weeks and will be gradually taking over this week; Sharon's final day is this 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!

SNegros men 2018 1
PRC missionary work with minister training in Southern Negros (from 2018) - see the note below about Rev. Smit and Kleyn's visit there this weekend.

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: "Ultimately, ‘successful’ motherhood and the salvation of your children does not depend on you (thanks be to God!) But all of it depends upon God, who after all, has a love that is stronger and tenderer than the love of any earthly mother. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isa. 49:15). God, to whom, after all, belong our covenant children, and who Himself has promised to care for them: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isa. 40:11). So press on, dear mother, in this high calling of motherhood, utterly dependent on your covenant God Jehovah. The soul of your covenant child is in the hand of your heavenly Father. Happy (belated) Mother’s Day."
    • 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 May 2023was posted here this past week.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (vessels of wrath fitted for destruction) and R. Hanko (the days of Noah).
    • 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., will join us in our worship services today via Livestream on our official Facebook page, God willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Bro. Ruel dela Fuente led her services today. "Rev. R. Smit, Rev. D. Kleyn, and Sis Sharon are in Southern Negros Occidental to visit contacts and to preach and teach there. Rev. R. Smit will be his last visit there."

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!

CHaak GT PRC

  • This month the RWH begins a marriage series by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "The Rule of Conduct for Marriage" based on Colossians 3:12-13. 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.). 

 Try the spirits DJE
Next Sunday we will observe Pentecost, the day our Savior gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church. Read this resource, "Try the Spirits," to be able to discern the Spirit's true presence and work from false notions of it.

  • 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) 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

"I would suggest that Scripture presents the Spirit principally as the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of the Son. It is striking that Scripture, though it often mentions the Spirit, does not treat extensively the work of the Spirit -- certainly not with that detail which the gospel accounts treat the work of Christ. There are chapters in Scripture which do touch somewhat upon His work, as John 14 ; Romans 8; Galatians 3 and 5; Ephesians 4 and 5; but even in these passages, a great deal is not presented about the Spirit. The same is true with our confessions. There is mention made of the Spirit in the Heidelberg Catechism (LORD'S DAY 8 and 20) and in the Netherlands Confession (especially Articles 1 and 11) ; but again, only brief reference to Him and His work is presented.

"I would suggest that all of this fits in with the idea that the Spirit is revealed not simply as Spirit, but as the Spirit of Christ.

"His relationship to Christ is evident in Christ's sojourn on this earth. Christ's conception is through the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35 ). The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove after His baptism (Matthew 3:16). He is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Luke 4:1 ). Christ was directed and led by the Spirit in His ministry (Luke 4:14 , "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee ...."). He has the Spirit given Him without measure (John 3:34 ). In Christ's exaltation, He receives the "promise of the Holy Ghost" which, Peter explains, accounts for what is seen and heard at Pentecost -- for Jesus pours out of that Spirit upon the church (Acts 2:33 ).

"But also Christ in His teaching and in directing the writing of the apostles, identifies the Spirit as HIS Spirit. His function is, centrally, to reveal God through Christ: to apply His work, to guide in His Word, to protect the whole of the church of Jesus Christ. Though Scripture does speak of the Spirit simply by that name "Holy Spirit" (cf. Romans 8:18 ), or the "Spirit of God" (cf. Romans 15:19 ) , it appears evident that the Holy Spirit in the church functions always as the Spirit of Christ."

Taken from the pamphlet "The Holy Spirit: His Presence, Power, and Fruits" by Rev. G. Van Baren

Last modified on 22 May 2023

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