PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for November 24, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, November 24, is the forty-seventh 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.

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.... I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. ...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. ...Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ~ Psalm 50:14; 69:30; 95:2; 100:4

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.

This Thursday the PRCs in the U.S. will gather for a special morning worship service on the national Day of Thanksgiving. You are warmly welcomed to join us in praising and thanking our good God for His manifold gifts and grace in Jesus Christ.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Rev. N. Decker was installed this morning as the fourteenth pastor in Hope PRC's history (Walker, MI) with Prof. D. Kuiper leading the service. This evening Rev. Decker preached his inaugural sermon, and a brief welcome program was planned afterward.
  
  
• Today Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC) declined the call to Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI).
  
  
• Tonight Grandville PRC called from her trio of Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), J. Maatman (SE PRC), and J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI).*Rev. DeBoer has received this call.

• Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) declined the call to Hudsonville PRC. 
  
  
• Rev. E. Guichelaar (Grace PRC) is considering the call from Zion PRC (received Nov.10). He plans to answer by December 1.
  
  
• The Council of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA presents the following trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland PRC), J. Maatman (Southeast PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC).  The congregational meeting is set for December 2.
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC's Council has chosen a new trio of Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC-Sioux Falls, SD), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC-ON), and D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC). The congregation will vote from the trio at the annual congregational meeting on Dec.11.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. D. Holstege in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. R. Cammenga (Thanksgiving-Prof. D. Kuiper) in Grandville PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week); Rev. S. Key (Thanksgiving) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. DeVries (Rev. J. Slopsema, Thanksgiving) in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. R. Dykstra in Southwest PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. K. Koole (also Thanksgiving Day) 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:

• Georgetown PRC: India: "The Council of Georgetown PRC informs the churches that they have sent a delegation to Vellore, India, to minister to the saints in that place. The team—Rev. Carl Haak, Chad Noorman, and Deane and Donna Wassink—arrived in Vellore on November 21 and plan to return home on December 3. The purpose of this trip is to encourage Pastor Paulraj and the churches in Vellore, assist Pastor Paulraj by teaching men who desire to become ministers of the Gospel, and support Mrs. Kasthuri Paulraj and the Grace Foster Home during very trying circumstances. The team attended retreats for the Vellore PRC and Vellore Christian Church (English church). Pastor Haak is instructing the young men attending the Sola Gratia Seminary, preparing them to minister to God’s people. The team is also visiting families of the congregation and other churches in the area interested in the Reformed faith. Rev. Haak is preaching to God’s people on the Sabbath. Please pray for them and for the important work of the spread of the Gospel. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17." This information was given today from the delegation:
  "Sunday morning, we returned to...and joined the English church for their morning service. Rev. Haak preached on Hebrews 6:19-20 regarding our hope in Jesus Christ as the anchor for our souls. The world offers us many things in which to put our trust, but none will provide stability and keep us safe. Only hope in Jesus Christ, which is anchored in our ascended Lord, is sure and steadfast.
  
  Rev. Haak provided a meditation on 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 with the theme Being Espoused to Christ. ...The group then engaged in a discussion about marriage which covered topics such as finding a spouse, preparing for marriage, and how to think about arranged marriages. For the final session of the day, Deane and Chad led Q&A revolving around the topic of the Christian in the Workplace. Discussion included witnessing at work, loving our neighbors, when work becomes an idol, how we serve God in our work and how that affects our work and those with whom we work. It was encouraging to see that we agree on principles even when the practical application of such principles might look slightly different in Indian culture."
• Loveland (CO) PRC: "Christmas Concert: This year, our church choir will be presenting our Christmas concert to the community before we perform it for our congregation. You are welcome to attend the concert at the Spiritual Life Center (inside the doors to the Visitor Center) at the Loveland Good Samaritan Village on Sunday, December 1 at 3:00 p.m. You can use the flyers available by the mailboxes as personal invitations for extended family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers -- or, for posting them publicly. We are thankful for the opportunity to once again tell the old story of Jesus and His love -- the message of salvation from God's holy Word! After the concert, light refreshments will be served; please use this time to join us in continuing our witness to the residents and others in the audience."
• Hope PRC (Walker, I) re upcoming Myanmar visit: "The Council of Hope PRC informs the churches that... a delegation from Hope Church, consisting of Jonathon and Tricia Kamps, Rev. and Keri Mahtani, and Eugene Kamps, will travel to Thailand to meet with Rev. Titus, Certi, and Josiah from December 4 to 11. The group looks forward to connecting with our brothers and sister in Christ to support and encourage them during these difficult times. As Paul expressed in Romans 1:11-12, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
• In 2025 the Hull Protestant Reformed Church will celebrate 100 years of God’s covenant faithfulness to us as a congregation. Taking as our theme Upheld by His Hand, we would like to invite all members and former members to celebrate with us on August 15-17, 2025. Lord willing, we plan to gather together for a keynotespeech, program, and ice-cream social Friday evening. Saturday will be a day with opportunity for much fellowship with many activities and a meal being planned. We will conclude our celebration on Sunday with worship in the house of worship that the Lord has graciously provided for us and end the day with joyful praise to Him in a singspiration. Be sure to save these dates and watch for more details later!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19 and have settled into the labors there. 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.."

• At the request of Unity PRC and with the concurrence of two neighboring consistories, the Classical Committee has arranged for a special meeting of Classis East to convene in Southwest PRC on Tuesday, December 3 at 8 a.m.
  
  
• PRC 100th! Did you attend the 75th PRC Anniversary Commemoration in 2000? Please share your pictures and videos with the PRC Historical Archive. You can drop off or mail physical copies to Chuck Terpstra at the seminary (4949 Ivanrest Ave. SW Wyoming MI 49418), or email digitized content to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As we beganpreparing for the 100th, we realized that we have few visuals from the 75th. Thank you for your help building upour archive!
  
  
• 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. For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.
  
  

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary has now completed twelve weeks of this first semester of its 2024-25 school year. We praise the Lord for His goodness and grace thus far in this semester. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they continue in the semester's labors and activities. The seminary will be having its Thanksgiving break this week, Nov.28-29. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
• This week Isaac Van Baren (2nd year) will lead the daily devotions. Due to the Thanksgiving break this week there is no chapel.
• Have you watched or listened to the videos of the recent PRTS Conference on the historic PRC stand on grace? The PRTS' recent conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace) was well attended and well received. The speeches are now all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
• 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 in the final weeks of his summer/fall internship in the Wingham, Ontario PRC, 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.
• The Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal arrived from the printer this past week and both domestic and foreign copies were mailed out. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here. This issue contains, among other things, the second part of Dr. J. Bolt's treatment of the CRC Synod of 1924 ("Unfinished Business on Common Grace"), Prof Griess' lecture on "Sexual Abuse in Calvin's Geneva," Dr. N. Willborn's lectures on "Old Princeton," a sermon warning of drunkenness (and other addictions) from Prov.23:29-35 by Prof. Kuiper, and ten book reviews. 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.) or stop by the seminary. 
• 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. Today Pastor Wee led both services. In his "pastoral voice" note Pastor Wee reflected on one of the church camp speeches this summer on their church theme of this year ("Come, let us build.") from Nehemiah: “So it was that despite the weariness and discouragement, Nehemiah, as was his way, he got the people going again, brick upon brick. It's going up over there and over there and over there, and it's getting higher and thicker. He got the people going again. And this is what the church always needs. Leaders in office and leaders socially, too, in the congregation who encourage other people and get us all going. There is no doubt that hard times and difficult times have come. ...The way to heaven is very difficult. It seems to be all uphill at times. There are lots of struggles, but the Christian must always press on and build the wall because God's grace is sufficient for us.”
    
  • 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 serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways.
  • The September 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was the last one published. 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 Espiritu and Umali led her worship services today. And, "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in worship services today. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Mission news: "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to travel to Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on Nov. 29 – Dec. 01, D.V. Pastor Ibe wasRev. Ibe and family are scheduled to travel to Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on Nov. 29 – Dec. 01, D.V. Pastor Ibe wasinvited again by the saints in Magsingal [which was approved by the Council] to lead them in theirThanksgiving Day on Nov. 30 and will preach for them on Sunday [Dec. 01] morning, all the Lord willing."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led both worship 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 - November  2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including a special Thanksgiving Day message, whch was broadcast today: "Satisfied with Marrow and Fatness" based on Psalm 65:1-3.
  
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet (see image below). 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.).

• 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 Holiday Open House: Join us Monday, December 2 from 1-8PM for a special time at the RBO!  There will be cookies to decorate, giveaways and a scavenger hunt! Books and Bibles and much more will be on sale for 25% off!Hope to see you there!

• 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 Thanksgiving! Today all of our country celebrates giving thanks. The vast majority of the masses in our country use this day for vacation, for watching football, for eating and drinking, without the least thought of giving thanks. Others will give thanks to other people or organizations for what they have received from them. Maybe those who are really into this day make a list of people to whom they give thanks: included on the list are friends, family, employers or employees, and so on. But few take any time out to thank God. Very few in this day understand the fact that this day was used by Pilgrims years ago to give thanks to God for providing for them in this new land to which they had traveled. That is the essential reason for this day: to give thanks to God, first of all and foremost for the earthly gifts He has again provided in this past season of the year.

Let us keep that in mind in this week to come. God has given us all these things richly to enjoy! To use Paul’s words in verse 11, God has “enriched us in every thing to all bountifulness.” God has given us everything—no exception—everything that we possess in this life. We can start with all the material comforts and luxuries we have—all the extras. Can you name them? You would be surprised how many possessions we have in this life that are not necessities but extras. We do know what necessities are, right? When we pray that God gives us this day our daily bread, we are asking for necessities: food, clothing, and shelter. These are necessities. These are the basics of life—those earthly, material things we need to live in this world. Anything over and above these are extras. We live in a society of extras. So much have we been given that we are spoiled in all the extras. We hear more from our mouths the words “I want” than any other society, even though we have been given more than anyone else. Americans are forever in debt because, though they have so much more than anyone else in the world, nevertheless they want more of it. God has given to the people of our land much in the way of necessities and comforts. This week we stop for a moment. We pause. We think. GOD has given us these things. We did not earn them. We do not deserve them. God in His providence gives to us these many earthly gifts. They come from His mighty hand. He gives and He withholds. He gives and He can take, and He does at times take away again. We are merely stewards of the earthly possessions God has given us. In this season we bow in humble thanks for the bounties of the earth God has again provided in the year gone by."

Taken from the 2017 Thanksgiving radio maeesage by Rev. W. Bruinsma, "Thanks Be to God."