PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for October 6, 2024

Today, October 6, is the fortieth 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.

Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. ~ Jeremiah 7:2-4

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. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA) is considering calls to Lynden PRC (WA) [received Sept.22] and Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received Sept.23). He plans to answer these by Oct.13. 
  
  
• Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) is considering calls to Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI) [received Sept.22] and Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI (received Sept.8). He plans to answer these by Oct.13.
  
  
• Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) is considering the call to Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). He plans to answer by October 13 (an extension was granted).
  
  
• Pastor-elect A. Haveman (Loveland PRC-CO) will be ordained and installed next Sunday, Oct.13, D.V., with Rev. G. Eriks leading the service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. B. Gritters in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. D. Noorman (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. G. Eriks (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. S. Key (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Holstege 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:

• Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI: "Did you know you have dual citizenship? The Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee invites you to a timely speech by Prof. D. Kuiper on October 10 at 7:00 PM at Trinity PRC. We encourage you to bring a friend or a neighbor along to hear how we should be living as christians in a worldly country. This speech will be livestreamed for those not able to make it in person."
• Wingham PRC (ON, Canada): "THIS TUESDAY, Oct. 8 at 11 am, it is our turn again to lead the chapel service at Braemar Retirement Centre. Sem. VanDyke will lead this time. If you are able, please join our brother and support the work of publishing the gospel to our neighbors."
• Zion PRC-Jenison, MI: "Community Bible Study season begins this week Wednesday [Oct.9] with Howard Pastoor leading the study of the book of Ephesians. Please keep this study in your prayers, asking God to bless the efforts in sharing the gospel with our community through this study."

Registration for the PRC 100th Celebration is now open! (see note below)

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Sister-church visits: "This Wednesday, the Lord willing, Prof. and Mrs. Dykstra and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Elzinga will be departing from Grand Rapids for their four-week trip to our sister churches in the Philippines and Singapore. Elder Elzinga and Prof. Dykstra constitute the delegation appointed by the Contact Committee. The plan is to preach in the two churches in the Philippines (Provident and Berean) as well as give speeches, then travel to Singapore for church visitation, speeches, and preaching in Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church. A more precise schedule of the trip was emailed with the bulletin. May our sovereign God grant His indispensable blessing on the work, safety in travel, and return the delegation in His good time according to His will." (Byron Center PRC bulletin)
  
  
• Mission news: "Zion’s Council and the DMC have decided to send our domestic missionary, Rev. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth area for six months, and to have his wife, Margaret, accompany him. They are scheduled to arrive there on October 19. For some time, Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."
  
  
• Classis East met September 18-19 and again this past Tuesday, Oct.1, at Georgetown PRC. For a report on the meetings and decisions made last week, visit this page. 
  
  
• Classis West: Classis West met Wednesday, Sept.25, in Hull, Iowa. For a report on this meeting visit this page on the PRC website.
  
  
• 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: NEW!! Online Registration is now open. 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 to participate in this commemorative week. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
  
  

The PRC Seminary hosted the 7th-grade class from Hope PRCS last Wednesday.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed six weeks of this first semester of its 2024-25 school year. We praise the Lord for His goodness through the first third of the semester. 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 Joseph Dick (1st year) will lead the daily devotions. Due to practice preaching tomorrow, there is no chapel this week.
• The first round of practice preaching will be held tomorrow, Monday, Oct.7, at Southwest PRC. Bruce Feenstra and Isaac Van Baren are due to deliver sermons.
• The 7th-grade class from Hope PR Christian School made a visit to the seminary this past Wednesday, Oct.2. The students sat in on Prof. B. Gritters' Church Polity class (see photo above), participated in devotions with the faculty and students, and enjoyed snacks and fellowship - and a little ping-pong.
• The annual Seminary Convocation was held in Byron Center PRC on September 4. Prof. C. Griess spoke 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 (junior) 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 (senior) 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 is currently being worked on. 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. Both pastors led services today, and this advanced note was also in her bulletin today: "Our sister church, the PRCA, is pleased to conduct, upon our Council’s request, Church Visitation to CERC on 24 October 2024, 8.00 pm in Church. Prof Dykstra and Elder Michael Elzinga are appointed by the PRCA, as the two Church Visitors to CERC. The church visitors will be accompanied by their wives to Singapore. ... Rev. Bruinsma will lead Bible studies on “Man’s Unique Creation” on 16 October at 7:30 PM and on “The Fall’s Effects on Man’s Creation” on 23 October at 7:30 PM."
    
  • 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!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the gospel of sovereign grace faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland - and beyond! These news items were in her bulletin this week: "Rev. & Mary Stewart will be away from 9-25 October for a tour with 30 saints from the PRC in Greece and Turkey to places on Paul’s missionary journeys and the seven churches of Revelation 2-3." And, "Rev. & Mary Bruinsma from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, arrive on Thursday, 10 October, and return to the US on Monday, 28 October. Pastor Bruinsma will preach for us on 13, 20 and 27 October."
  • The September 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published last week. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah) and part three of Rev. R. Hanko's response to questions about "The Civil and Ceremonial Laws" of the Old Testament.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Umali and Penaverde led her worship services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family will visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija, today. Rev. Ibe will lead their worship service at 9 A.M., and the Essential class in Tagalog at 10:45 A.M. all the Lord willing. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    
  • Special news: "Prof. and Mrs. Carol Dykstra, Elder Michael, and Ruth Elzinga [Byron Center PRC, MI.] are scheduled to arrive in Manila on October 11 and leave on October 21. Prof. Dykstra is scheduled for pulpit supply at Provident and Berean PRC and will lecture on “The Absolute Sovereignty of God” at Berean PRC on October 13 at 2 P.M. D.V. We thank the Lord for their visit and time of fellowship with us in and around God’s Word. Please remember them in your prayers and ask God for traveling mercies and a safe journey to us."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ruel dela Fuente led both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons. And, "Rev. Wee and Rev. Tan of CERC are also inviting our youth to join their Catechism classes by Zoom." [on Saturdays]

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 - October2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma on the subject of Christ's return and its signs. Today's message is titled "The Great Tribulation" based on Matthew 24:9-22.
  
  
• 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.).

October BOOK SALE is available now! This month, our sale book is A Pilgrim's Manual by author Herman Hanko. Get your copies on sale today for $15 each! Order by clicking the picture below or the "Monthly Sales" button on the RFPA website homepage.

• 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. 
  Special notice! RBO Storytime: Join us Thursdays for Fall Storytime at 10:15 on October 31, November 7 and 14. Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!

• 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

“It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business of the morning and the last at night. Guard yourself carefully against those false, deluding ideas which tell you, ‘Wait a little while. I will pray in an hour; first I must attend to this or that.’ Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs which so hold your attention and involve you that nothing comes of prayer for that day. It may well be that you may have some tasks which are as good or better than prayer, especially in an emergency. There is a saying ascribed to St. Jerome that a believer does is prayer and a proverb… Yet we must be careful not to break the habit of true prayer and imagine other works to be necessary which, after all, are nothing of the kind. Thus, at the end we become lax and lazy, cool and listless toward prayer. The devil who besets us is not lazy or careless, and our flesh is too ready and eager to sin and is disinclined to the spirit of prayer.” ~ Martin Luther (found in Unity PRC's bulletin today)