PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 8, 2024 *(Updated)

Today, December 8, is the forty-ninth 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.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. ~ Isaiah 60:1-3

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 

• Last Sunday Rev. E. Guichelaar (Grace PRC) accepted the call to Zion PRC.
  
  
• This past Monday Hope PRC-Redlands, CA extended a call to Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC-Wyoming, MI).
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN) is considering the call from Grandville PRC (received Nov.24). He plans to answer by December 15.
  
  
• 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. *Rev. Barnhill has received this call.
  
  
• Southwest PRC's Council formed a trio of Revs. J. Engelsma (Crete-IL PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and J. Maatman (Southeast PRC). A special congregational meeting to call from this trio is now planned for this Thursday Dec.12. *Rev. Engelsma has received this call.
  
  
• Grace PRC's Council has formed a trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. J. Engelsma, Rev. W. Langerak, and Rev. J.Smidstra. A brief congregational meeting will be held after the evening service on December 22.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. B. Huizinga in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Rev. K. Koole and Rev. J. Holstege in Grandville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Hope PRC-Redlands; Sem. B. Feenstra and Rev. K. Koole in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Noorman in Southwest PRC; Rev. M. DeVries and Rev. M. McGeown 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 petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

• Both Unity and Byron Center PRCs are hosting a "Night of Singing" at Byron Center PRC on Thursday December 12th at 7pm. The local community is welcome as well. We want to encourage our congregations to invite neighbors, friends, and family to attend. Hope to see you there!
• Hope PRC (Walker, MI) 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.”

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..
  
  
• Classis East met in a special meeting at Southwest PRC this past Tuesday in closed session, finishing its business at about 9:30 p.m. Classis did not sustain the protest of a Consistory against a previous decision of Classis. May the Lord bless the labors and decisions of Classis.

• 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 fourteen weeks of this first semester of its 2024-25 school year, with this week being the final one before exams. The faculty, students, and staff covet your prayers as they move toward the end of this semester's labors and activities. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
• This week Joe Ophoff (1st year) will lead the daily devotions, and Rev. G. Eriks will lead the Wednesday chapel one again.
• This past Wednesday Prof. B. Gritters underwent successful ankle replacement surgery, and is now at home recovering. Prof. R. Cammenga is taking the last two weeks of his classes while he recovers. Prof. Gritters hopes to be ready to teach when the second semester begins in mid-January. 
• Prof. R. Cammenga will be teaching the January 2025 Interim course (Jan.6-15) on the life and theology of John Calvin. Look for a notice soon about auditing this special class. 
• 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 through December 31. He and his family will return for the interim course and his final semester after the new year. Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during this time.
• The Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies have been mailed out to those on the mailing list. 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. 
• 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.).
• 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.
• 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 Tan led both services. In the bulletin this week was this special note: "It is now at the tail end of 2024. The signs of it are all around us in the church. The very much anticipated VBS begins this Thursday. The following week brings CK Camp, and soon after, the joyful celebration of the Christmas gospel meeting of 2024. Many more activities—small groups, Bible studies, and family gatherings— may also be lined up. This time of the year there is no shortage of opportunities for fellowship, service, and joyful fellowship. Together, as a church family, we eagerly look forward to this time of the year."
    
  • 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 October and November 2024 issues of "Covenant Reformed News" have just been published. Read the October articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Opposition from Jehovah's Enemies" (Nehemiah 2) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question: "Is God's Moral Law Permanent?".
    
  • 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: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in worshipThe saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in worshipservices today. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Mission news: "Rev. Ibe and Sis. Melody is scheduled to visit the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on Dec. 9 - 10. The Lord willing, Rev. Ibe will lecture on the Church Order of Dort Articles 10 -12 and Reformed Dogmatics (Soteriology) on the Ordo Salutis. 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!"
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Jun Armas led both worship services today using recorded sermons of the PRCA.

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 - December 2024 - the RWH will broadcast five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, considering the treasure and the wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ in his series, The Blessings of Emmanuel’s Reign. There will also be a special Christmas message from Luke 2. Today's message is "Then Shall a Lame Man Leap as a Hart" based on Isaiah 35:3-6
  
  
• 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.).

The latest collection of British Reformed Fellowship speeches (2022) titled Union with Christ has been published and is available from the RFPA, Reformed Book Outlet, PRC Seminary, and local PRCs. Follow the link to find more information on this book and to find the digital download.

• 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

 “We stand at that manger in fear and reverence. For God lies there in all the weakness of mere flesh, flesh of our flesh, the Holy One born from the unholy, Immanuel, God with us!

“'Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

"But that is only the beginning of the wonder that is observed in the vision.

"Isaiah sees the Jews standing in rapt wonder as more children are born. Not twins, not triplets, but “as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children.” A nation, the church of the new dispensation is born.

"The birth of Jesus is but the beginning of a whole series of wonders that follow one upon another in rapid succession.

"Although four thousand years had elapsed since the mother promise had come to Adam and Eve in paradise, although the believers in the dispensation of shadows grew weary as their cry went up to heaven, “Rise, help and redeem us, Thy mercy we trust,” now when the fullness of time is come all things happen within a short period of time. Thirty-three years elapse between Christ’s birth and the cross, but, soon after, Jesus arises from the dead, forty days later He ascends to heaven, and ten days later the Spirit is poured out on Pentecost, when the small group of 120 is increased by three thousand converts.

"These were the firstfruits of the harvest that is being gathered in day by day. For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost."

Taken from a Standard Bearer meditation by Rev. C. Hanko, "Zion Delivered of a Man Child," on Isaiah 66:5-8