Today, September 22, is the thirty-eighth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
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.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem. ~ Isaiah 27:12,13
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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- Rev. D. Noorman was installed as the third pastor in Georgetown PRC's history this morning, with Prof. C. Griess leading the service. May the Lord of the church grant him a faithful and fruitful ministry in his new charge.
- This morning Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI) voted to call Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC).
- Lynden (WA) PRC voted this morning from a duo of Revs. A. Brummel and G. Eriks. *Rev. Brummel has received this call.
- Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) is considering the call to Hope PRC (Walker, MI). He plans to answer by October 6.
- Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) is considering the call to Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). He plans to answer by October 6.
- Cand. A. Haveman accepted the call to Loveland PRC on Sept.1. Her Council has provided this information: "With thanksgiving the Council expresses gratitude to God for the acceptance of the call from Pastor-elect Arend Haveman. The council has made a request to the Classical committee to examine Pastor-elect Haveman at the upcoming Classis which is scheduled for September 25. His specimen sermon will take place, D.V., on Tuesday evening, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. during a special worship service at Hull PRC."
- Hope PRC-Redlands' Council has a new trio which to call her next pastor: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA), J. Maatman (Southeast PRC, Grand Rapids, MI), and H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC, Lacombe, AB). A congregational meeting is scheduled for tomorrow Monday, September 23. *Rev. Brummel has received this call.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. R. Dykstra in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. R. Hanko in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. Koerner (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Sem. B. Feenstra in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Maatman 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!
Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:
- Byron Center PRC: "The Evangelism Committee has planned a fall evangelism workshop for the congregation, scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. This workshop is called Prayer and Personal Study for Evangelism and should result in both lively discussions and spiritual growth. We strongly encourage you to attend this event which will be beneficial for all!"
- First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "The Evangelism Committee reminds the congregation of the prayer meeting its hosting this coming Tuesday, September 24 beginning at 7:00 PM in the basement of church. This meeting will focus on our evangelism work, our Bible Study season, and our Catechism season. There will be 3 short meditations as well as singing and prayer. Make plans to attend."
- Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD): "This coming Saturday, September 28, the Evangelism Committee will be witnessing to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the downtown Sioux Falls library. The Committee will be using a room in the library. There will be literature set out, a running PowerPoint presentation, donuts, coffee and water, and other free materials. The congregation is encouraged to visit the Committee at the library in Meeting Room A from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Please pray for God's blessing upon this event!"
- Hope PRC-Redlands, CA: The CA Senior Retreat was this past week at Tahquitz Pines Retreat Center in Idyllwild. For a small album of photos from the week, visit this link.
Hull PRC, host of this week's meeting of Classis West (see note below)
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
- Classis East met this past Wednesday-Thursday, September 18-19, at Georgetown PRC. The body plans to reconvene on Oct.1 to finish its work. For a report on the meetings and decisions made last week, visit this page. May the Lord bless the decisions reached this far.
- Classis West: Classis West meets this Wednesday, Sept.25, in Hull, Iowa. Among the business to be conducted is the examination of pastor-elect A. Haveman (Loveland PRC). May the Lord uphold and equip the brother for this and guide the deliberations of the body for the good of the churches and the glory of her Head Jesus Christ. From Calvary PRC's bulletin today: "All are invited to a conference on lessons learned from the work in the Philippines led by Rev. Kleyn and Rev. Smit will be held Tuesday afternoon, September 24, starting at 1:30 PM. The highlight of Classis will be the examination of Pastor-elect Haveman with a view to his ordination in Loveland PRC. Hull PRC is issuing a call to worship for Tuesday evening at which Mr. Haveman will lead the worship service and preach his specimen sermon for the Classical examination. The examination of Pastor-elect Haveman will take up the morning session on Wednesday, and visitors are welcome to observe."
- Note the addition of a part-time option! The Domestic Mission Committee plans to hire a full-time or part-time website manager for the new PRCA website. The new website is being designed to improve our worldwide evangelism and to improve usability for all PRCA members and churches. Initially the work will be to maintain the current site and assist with the development of the new website. Besides day-to-day maintenance, the web manager’s future role will be to promote and feature a wide range of PRCA materials. Interested candidates should contact Mike Gritters (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to learn more about this new position.
- PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: All the members of the PRCA, our sister churches, and close contacts are encouraged to come together at Calvin University from June 2-6, 2025 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.
A beautiful full (super!) moon spread its morning glow last week Tuesday at seminary.
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The PR Theological Seminary has now completed four weeks of its 2024-25 school year. Things go well under the Lord's blessing, for which we give thanks. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they continue in the normal semester labors and activities. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
- This week Bruce Feenstra will lead the daily devotions and Rev. E. Guichelaar (Grace PRC) will lead the Wednesday chapel.
- The annual Seminary Convocation was held in Byron Center PRC on September 4. A full church of attenders sang and prayed together and heard Prof. C. Griess speak on Colossians 2:8-10, "The Spoiled Pastor." Look for the video of the evening on the Seminary's YouTube channel soon. The audio of the speech may be heard here.
- Sem. Bruce Feenstra has been licensed to to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of Mr. Feenstra 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. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
- Sem. Aaron Van Dyke is interning this summer and fall in our Wingham, Ontario congregation, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege. The internship runs from July 1 through December 31. Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during his internship. Today he is leading both services while Rev. Holstege is in Michigan yet.
- 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother church in 1924 viewed common grace as the middle way between being liberal and fleeing the world? And that our denomination’s fathers rejected common grace as compromising the antithesis? Come to the next seminary conference to hear a fresh perspective on the doctrine that gave rise to our denomination. The theme is “By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31, through Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC in Standale, MI. Help us praise God for His grace on the occasion of our centennial!
- The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available. The digital editions (pdf and epub) are posted on the journal page (visit the link here). This latest issue features three main articles, one dealing with the history of common grace at the 1924 Synod in the Christian Reformed Church (which led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches), one involving another translation of H. Bouwman's work on the Reformed Church Order, and another chapter from Prof. D. Kuiper on the history of Classis West in the PRC. Plus, there is a good number of book reviews again, on a variety of subjects. The Fall 2024 issue will feature the speeches to be given at the seminary's fall conference. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
- 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. Pastor Tan led both services today, while Pastor Wee referenced a special gospel meeting held yesterday.
- A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third of this year! Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Pastor Tan led both services today, while Pastor Wee referenced a special gospel meeting held yesterday.
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the gospel of sovereign grace faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland - and beyond!
- The August 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah) and part two of Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about "The Civil and Ceremonial Laws" of the Old Testament.
- The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live stream at our Facebook account, God willing. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led her services today.
- Mission labors: "Rev. Ibe and Elder Jun Armas's visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on September 16-17, went very well, by the grace of God. Rev. Ibe lectured on the Reformed Church Government [Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, Arts. 4-6] and Reformed Dogmatics on the “Union With Christ”. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!"
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live stream at our Facebook account, God willing. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
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 - September2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma on the subject of Christ's return and its signs. Today's message is titled "The Man of Sin Revealed" based on 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4.
- 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.).
Would you like to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America? This resource will help you understand the biblical and confesisonal nature of her faith and walk.
- The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). 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.
- In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for help with any of these materials (616-531-1490).
- 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.
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
Proper Sabbath Observance: The Sojourner's Sabbath by H. Hoeksema (one of this month's featured resources)
Small wonder that with such a spirit of frivolous world-seeking and practical materialism the Sabbath is no longer remembered by many, and desecration of the first day of the week has become customary. Even as the Sabbath was ordained for the purpose of lifting up the pilgrim-stranger in this world to things heavenly and spiritual, so it could, in the world, serve the purpose of enjoying the things earthly and material better than any other day of the week. And even as this desecration of the Sabbath itself has its source in a spirit of world-mindedness, so it exerts a reflex influence upon the minds and lives of the people of God so that they become less heavenly-minded, more attached to the things of the world.
The true significance of the Sabbath, that it was not ordained for recreation and pleasure-seeking; that its chief purpose is not even that we might rest from our daily toil and labour; but that on that day we should be occupied exclusively with things spiritual and heavenly, that so it might have a sanctifying influence on our whole life in the midst of the world, and that we might have a foretaste of and more and more fervently long for the eternal Sabbath—this true import of keeping the Sabbath is no longer understood.