PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 9, 2025 *(Updated)

On this tenth Lord's Day of 2025, we gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our faithful Father and sovereign, saving Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land. ~ Isaiah 10:20-23

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 9. 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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• The PRC congregations (except for seven in the west Michigan area who held theirs in February) will hold their annual Prayer Day service this week Wednesday evening, March 12. You are cordially invited to join them in worshiping the God of creation and providence, who holds all creatures in His hand and who provides daily bread for all, and to whom we must look in daily prayer for our provision and for His blessing. Check the website of the church near you for time of the service.
  
  
• This morning, from a trio of Revs. G. Eriks, J. Smidstra, and C. Spronk Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) called Rev. Smidstra.
  
  
• Today Rev. G. Eriks declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC) declined the call from Southwest PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday (March 2) Grandville PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC, IL).
  
  
• On February 23 Hudsonville PRC extended a call to Prof. B. Huizinga (PRC Seminary). He plans to answer by March 16.
  
  
• Rev. J. Maatman is considering the call from Grace PRC (received Feb.16) and plans to answer by March 16.

• *Byron Center PRC's Council (calling church for a minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines) has formed a trio from a list of eligible ministers to serve in the PRC-Philippines: Revs. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC), A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), and M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for March 12 after the Prayer Day service. *Rev. D. Lee has received this call.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (Feb.23) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Mahtani in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Spronk in Grace PRC; Sem. A. Van Dyke and Prof. R. Dykstra (Prof. R. Cammenga, Prayer Day) in Grandville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (2nd of 3 weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Sem. B. Feenstra and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Southwest 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 travel and 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 notices:

• Byron Center PRC, MI: "This morning, about 15 minutes after the service, Prof. Dykstra and Elder Mike Elzinga will give a presentation on the Philippines and especially the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines."
• Georgetown PRC: "Texas Mission Trip - Thank you for your prayers and support! Our team returned this week after a busy several days of witnessing at a mall, downtown, and in parks in Fort Worth. Several families from Zion and Grace joined us. The gospel was shared with many people, many tracts were passed out, and Bibles were given to those who needed them. We were also able to fellowship with and encourage Pastor Laning and Margaret and learn more about the field there. It was a great time of spiritual growth for us all and a great first step into evangelism-focused mission trips that we hope to continue with in the future." 

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Calvary PRC in Hull, IA, host of last week's meeting of Classis West

• Classis West met this past Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.
  
  
• From the PRC Contact Committee: Rev. M. McGeown and Michael Bosveld and their wives returned home safely this past Wednesday from their visit to the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. The work of the official PRC delegates included doing church visitation in both the Berean and Provident churches, attending the PRCP Classis meeting, and promoting a good relationship with our sister in the Philippines in any way possible. May the Lord use this visit for the mutual strengthening and encouragement of these churches.
  
  
• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by registering at prca100.org by March 21 (note the extension!). A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals. Be sure to register by March 21. Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. 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.

• Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19, 2024 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..
  
  
• HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 

• Convention 2025 – Register & Chaperone Opportunities!

  Conventioneers, don’t wait! Registration for the 2025 Young People’s Convention is now open and runs through March 31. If you plan to attend, be sure to sign up before the deadline at prcconvention.com/registration! This year’s convention, hosted by Hudsonville PRC, will take place at SpringHill Camp (Evart, MI) from August 11-15. We’d love to see you there! For questions, contact Heather Veldman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  We’re also looking for chaperones (especially males!) to help make this convention a week of spiritual growth and meaningful fellowship for our young people. If you’re interested in joining us, learn more and apply today at prcconvention.com/chaperones.

Rev. D. Noorman leads the PRTS chapel on March 5. 

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters its eighth week of the 2nd semester this week. The students are taking mid-term exams in some of their classes. PRTS covets your prayers as they carry out their callings during this semester of instruction.
• Bruce Feenstra will lead in devotions this week; Wednesday chapel will be led by Prof. D. Kuiper.
• This coming Tuesday, March 11, one of the 4th grade classes of Heritage CS (Hudsonville) plans to visit the seminary. Prof. B. Gritters will introduce them to the seminary, give them a brief tour, and then they will join faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
• Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
• Work has begun on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. 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. 
• Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men 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.).
• If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are 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 to check on 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 both pastors led a service. In this week's "pastoral voice" Pastor Wee writes about a special series he is preaching, with application for all of us: "This AM, we continue on in our Lamp and Light sermon series, which parallels our Bible Reading Program, seeking to give us an overview of each book of the Bible. I would like to take the time to encourage us to continue reading the Bible daily for our devotions, and setting aside time to pray as well. It is important to do so consistently: just as we need to eat daily, and even multiple times a day, no less do we need spiritual nourishment, daily! It is also important to read the Bible systematically: just as we need to eat a balanced diet, and not a snack here and there, it is good to read the Bible, not a verse and there (though that too has its place!), but to read the whole counsel of God that is contained within."
  • A last issue of Salt Shakers is available - August 2024, #73.  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 and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    
  • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    
  • 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 Chua and Espiritu led her worship services today. Special note: "Rev. Ibe and family will be visiting with the saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija today. Our pastor will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 10:45 AM. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Lester Lee led her services today using PRC video sermons. Special note: "Rev. Martyn McGeown and his wife Sis. Larisa together with Elder Michael Bosveld and his wife Sis. Shari safely arrived in the US last Wednesday (March 5). We thank the Lord for the privilege of them visiting us and to hear God’s Word through Rev. McGeown’s preaching and Bible study. We will continue to pray that God’s blessing rest upon their families. And may the Lord bless Rev. McGeown in all his faithful labors for the Gospel ministry."

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 - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "The True Christian Life" based on 2 Timothy 4:7,8.
  
• 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.).

Less Than the Least is the memoirs of Rev. Cornelius Hanko’s long, fruitful life of nearly a century (1907–2005). With history, heart, and humility, Hanko details his experiences and his ministry while living through two world wars, the Great Depression, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the rise and fall of communism, the advent of the space age, and more.

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is 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. 
  

• If you are 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 assistance 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

 "Are you saved? That is the crucial question in life. What is your answer? That we live in frightening times is an understatement. We live in a day such as the world has never seen. It is a time when the very foundations are being shaken. A time of abounding lawlessness that reveals itself in fearful rebellion and bloodshed. Our cities are unsafe. There is no regard for law and order. The entire structure of our modern, enlightened civilization is on the verge of total collapse.

"And everywhere men are desperately searching for answers. The trouble is that men search in the wrong way and from the wrong source. Men refuse to reckon with the fact that the root of the terrible problem of the world is sin. Sin against the living God of heaven and earth who will not excuse or ignore sin, but Who executes vengeance and holy wrath against the workers of iniquity. Refusing to reckon with God man searches in himself for comfort, peace, and hope in the troubled world. He will never find it. His end will be the utter despair of hell.

"The Bible has the answer. And that answer is Salvation from sin and death in Jesus Christ by the grace of God! Those who are saved by grace through faith as the gift of God are not disturbed by the terrible events of the day. They see these things and they rejoice. They rejoice because they know that through all these events Jesus is swiftly coming again to realize the salvation He has purchased for them in the glory of the new heavens and earth. And these have comfort, peace, and hope!"

Taken from the pamphlet "Saved by Grace" by Robert D. Decker, one of this month's featured resources