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

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Psalm 107 8Today, July 23, is the thirtieth 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 give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. ~ Psalm 107:1-9

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Today Randolph PRC called Cand. M. Koerner from their trio that included Revs. J. Maatman and R. Smit.

  • Last Sunday Rev. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines) accepted the call to Doon PRC (IA), thereby declining the call from Hudsonville PRC.

  • Last Sunday Cand. M. Koerner received the call from Zion PRC-Jenison, MI.

  • This past Monday (July 17) Loveland PRC (CO) voted to call Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC).

  • *UPDATE: Sunday evening Lynden (WA) PRC called Rev. J. Smidstra from her trio that included Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI) and Cand. M. Koerner.

  • *UPDATE: Sunday Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB)  voted to call Rev. R. Smit from their trio that included Rev. D. Noorman and Candidate M. Koerner. 
  • Georgetown PRC's Council has announced a new trio: Revs. Audred Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN), David Noorman, and Jon Mahtani. The congregational meeting will be held August 6 after the morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. R. Barnhill in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Cand. M. Koerner (1st week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Rev. M. DeBoer and Rev. J. Maatman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. G. Eriks (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Rev. D. Holstege in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Lee 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!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Special PRC delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: A delegation on behalf of the Foreign Mission Committee and the Doon Council travelled to the Philippines last week. Brian and Denise Gritters (FMC) and Jim and Brenda Regnerus (Doon) are visiting Rev. Daniel and Sharon Kleyn and extending a farewell to the Filipino saints as the work of the FMC in the Philippines draws to a close. May our almighty Father grant safety in travel and His blessings upon these labors.

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. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!

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Screenshot of Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class Wednesday nights (July 12 - August 16) in Hudsonville PRC (see more information on that and this week's class below)

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PR Theological Seminary is currently enjoying its summer break. The first semester of the 2023-24 term will begin, the Lord willing, on Tuesday, August 29. The schedule and calendar have been approved and are posted here. ​Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we shift to other labors and responsibilities, including preparing for the 2023-24 school year.
  • Senior seminarian M. Koerner was examined at the PRC Synod June 13-15 and was unanimously approved as a candidate for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, eligible for a call on or after July 15. As of this date he has received two calls (Zion PRC and Randolph PRC). We praise and thank the Lord for this gift to the churches and pray for Matt and his wife Sharon as they wait on the Lord to know where He will have him begin his labors as a pastor. Synod also approved the entrance of Isaac Van Baren into the seminary beginning this Fall. Isaac and his wife (Elizabeth) and two children have now moved from Southern California (Hope PRC-Redlands) to west Michigan. He is completing some pre-sem classes yet this summer and will begin regular seminary classes in August.
  • *Special Summer Class on Church Discipline: The Seminary is sponsoring another summer course for the public!  All members, men and women, young and old, are welcome to attend or watch online (see the livestream link below - Hudsonville PRC).  Prof. B. Gritters will teach regarding the important topic of Christian Discipline.  Because all members participate in discipline, the course will be of interest to officebearers as well as non-officebearers.  Classes will be held in Hudsonville PRC, Wednesday evenings, from July 12 through August 16. For a detailed outline of the subjects to be taught, click on this link or email the seminary secretary:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Prof. Gritters:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
    • First class on Church Discipline:  Here is the link for the July 12 class on The Church Order on Discipline (and the reasons why discipline is the work of the whole church). And here is a link to the outline for this class.
    • Second class on Church Discipline: Wednesday, July 19 at Hudsonville PRC. The subject this week is the objects of church discipline. The class addressed such questions as: 1) May the church discipline non-confessing members? 2) May discipline continue when someone 'asks for their papers'? 3) May discipline be imposed on a member mentally ill? Here is the link for the outline for this class.
    • And here is the link for this past week's class (July 19), The Proper Objects of Discipline, and the outline.
    • Third Class on Church Discipline: This Wednesday evening, July 26, at 7 p.m. is the third class on Discipline at Hudsonville PRC, sponsored by the Protestant Reformed Seminary. This week Prof. B. Gritters will give instruction on the method and steps of discipline, beginning with the fundamental teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18. What is "the way of Matthew 18" and is it required for all sins? Welcome to all, in person, or through Hudsonville PRC's livestream. *UPDATE: The Act of Discipline According to Matthew 18 and the Outline.
  • Sem. Arend Haveman is doing his senior-year internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. He is next scheduled to lead a service in the evening of July 30. Sem. A. Van Dyke (licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches this Spring) will keep busy with work and preaching assignments. Sem. B. Feenstra has returned home to Redlands, CA for the summer.
  • The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was mailed out in late April. 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 Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • During the summer months the seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (holidays excepted), 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:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today's bulletin contains some news on their foreign mission work in Kolkata, India: In the latest FMC (Foreign Mission Committee) meeting held on Thursday this past week, the committee invited our missionary pastor to attend RDC 2023 here in Singapore. We are now awaiting for Pastor Singh’s reply if he can come back to his second home here in Singapore.
      Also, in a short while, the FMC will be sending out a written Mission Report by our Missionary Pastor. This report of the current developments of the mission work will be sent out once every two months. Please take the time to read the mission report and pray for the work specifically.
    • The latest issue of Salt Shakers is 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. A new newsletter was published this month and is available in the churches. Special note: 

      Pastor and Mary Stewart leave on Tuesday for a holiday in the US. They will away for 3 weeks, returning on 15 August. May the Lord watch over all of us while we are apart.

      Prof. Doug & Teresa and Daniel Kuiper arrive on Friday morning. Prof. Kuiper will be preaching for the CPRC on the next three Lord’s days. 

    • The new issues of Covenant Reformed News are out - June 2023 has been published this week and July will be soon. (Look for June's soon! Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (clothed with Christ) and R. Hanko (the days of Noah #2).
    • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Special delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: "We welcome the delegation of Elder Jim Regnerus, representing Doon PRC and Elder Brian Gritters, representing the FMC along with their wives and few daughters in our worship services and fellowship today. They arrived safely last Friday night, and plan to be here up to to July 31, the Lord willing. We thank the Lord for the many years of diligent and faithful labors and oversight of the Doon PRC and FMC of the mission work of the PRCA
      through the missionaries (Revs. D. Kleyn, R. Smit, D.Holstege) as well as their wives and families for their selfless and dedicated labors over the years in Provident PRC, PRCP, and in the Philippines." (Provident bulletin)
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Umali and Penaverde will lead us in our worship services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family will spend the weekend with the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. The Consistory approved the request of Rev. Ibe to give a word of edification for our beloved brethren and sisters in Christ [at AGPRF] in their worship service at 9 AM today."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her services today. And this to note also: "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon are scheduled to visit the SNO [Southern Negros Occidental] with the delegation from PRCA on July 24-25 (Monday & Tuesday), the Lord willing."
    • Special upcoming event: The Berean PRC Young People, together with the young people of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship will have its 1st joint retreat to be held on August 03 – 06, 2023 at Leivy-Lance Resort, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, God willing. The theme is: “Ye Are the Salt and Light of the World” [Mt. 5: 13-14]. Three (3) speeches under this theme will be given by our pastor, Rev. Ibe. I. The Life of Our Youth, II. The Songs of Our Youth, and III. The Hope of Our Youth. FYI, the speeches will be live-streamed via our official Facebook account, Berean PRC, the Lord willing.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

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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!

W Bruinsma RWH

  • This month the RWH concludes the marriage series by Rev. C. Haak and begins a new series on the signs of Christ's coming by Rev. W. Bruinsma. Today's message by Rev. Bruinsma is titled "The Beginning of Birth Pains" based on Matthew 24:7,8. For the July 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.). 
From the RFPA
 
The July issue of our children's magazine, Ignited by the Word, is coming soon! This issue's theme is time.

Subscribe to Ignited today for 40+ pages of fun activities, Bible stories about godly use of time, and art submissions from kids across the country!

Check out what you and your family could be reading:
 
Still need to subscribe?
Subscribe online today and we will send you the July issue!
Subscribe

 

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.
    • The Reformed Book Outlet is having a summer sale next week, July 25-29! We will have 40% off cards, tables of sale books, and our used fiction books for sale, all in our back room! Store hours are: Tuesday - Friday 10AM - 5PM and Saturday 10AM - 1PM
    • Special RBO Notice! The Reformed Book Outlet is bringing back its Summer Reading Challenge! The challenge will be held from June 20-August 19, and there are categories for both adults and children. Stop by the store to sign up anytime after June 20! If you are not in the West Michigan area and would like to participate, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up!
  • 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

"It by no means follows that a person may not be assured of the favor of God, and yet show great earnestness and importunity in praying for pardon. David might be much relieved by the announcement of the prophet, and yet be visited occasionally with fresh convictions, influencing him to have recourse to the throne of grace. However rich and liberal the offers of mercy may be which God extends to us, it is highly proper on our part that we should reflect upon the grievous dishonor which we have done to his name, and be filled with due
sorrow on account of it. Then our faith is weak, and we cannot at once apprehend the full extent of the divine mercy; so that there is no reason to be surprised that David should have once and again renewed his prayers for pardon, the more to confirm his belief in it. The truth is, that we cannot properly pray for the pardon of sin until we have come to a persuasion that God will be reconciled to us. Who can venture to open his mouth in God’s presence unless he be assured of his fatherly favor? And pardon being the first thing we should pray for, it is plain
that there is no inconsistency in having a persuasion of the grace of God, and yet proceeding to supplicate his forgiveness. In proof of this, I might refer to the Lord’s Prayer, in which we are taught to begin by addressing God as our Father, and yet afterwards to pray for the remission of our sins. God’s pardon is full and complete; but our faith cannot take in his overflowing goodness, and it is necessary that it should distil to us drop by drop. It is owing to this infirmity of our faith, that we are often found repeating and repeating again the same petition, not
with the view surely of gradually softening the heart of God to compassion, but because we advance by slow and difficult steps to the requisite fullness of assurance... The sinner, if he would find mercy, must look to the sacrifice of Christ, which expiated the sins of the world, glancing, at the same time, for the confirmation of his faith, to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; for it were vain to imagine that God, the Judge of the world, would receive us again into his favor in any other way than through a satisfaction made to his justice."

John Calvin, Commentary on Psalm 51 (found on Providence PRC's bulletin today)

Last modified on 27 July 2023

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