PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 16, 2025

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

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; ...And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. ...And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. ~ Isaiah 11:1, 2, 5, 10

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 16. 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

• This past Wednesday (March 12) Byron Center PRC called Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC). He plans to answer by March 30.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Maatman declined the call from Grace PRC.
  
  
• Today Prof. B. Huizinga declined Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• The Council of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA presents the following trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for after the evening service on March 30.
  
  
• Southwest PRC's Council has formed a new trio consisting of Revs. R. Barnhill, G. Eriks, and D. Holstege. A special congregational meeting is planned for after the evening service on March 23.
  
  
• Last Sunday Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) called Rev. J. Smidstra 1st PRC-Holland-MI). He plans to answer by March 30.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. G. Eriks declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.

• Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC) declined the call from Southwest PRC.
  
  
• On March 2 Grandville PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC, IL).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (March 16) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Maatman in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. G. Eriks in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. C. Griess in Grandville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (3rd of 3 weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman 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: "Our Community Bible Study is to meet this Thursday (3/20 at 6:30 p.m.) at the Byron Township Library. We plan to continue our study of Creation at Genesis 1:26. Please invite friends and neighbors and join us for a time of fellowship in God's Word!"
•  First PRC-Grand Rapids: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. [at the church] We'll discuss Moses' Choice of Faith, from Hebrews 11:24-26 and Exodus 2:1-15."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Newest notices re PRCA 100th

Last chance to register to participate in the PRCA 100th Anniversary Celebration! Registration is required for daily activities and to stay on campus. Visit prca100.org and register by this Friday. Registration will not be extended or available after March 21 at 11:59 PM EST. 

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.

• 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.

Classis West met on Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.

• 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.

Prof. D. Kuiper led the PRTS chapel this past Wednesday March 12. 

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters its ninth week of the 2nd semester this week. Faculty, students, and staff covet and appreciate your prayers as they carry out their various labors during this semester.
• Isaac Van Baren (2nd year) will lead in devotions this week; Wednesday chapel will be led by Rev. D. Noorman.
• This coming Thursday, March 20, 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.
• The Theological School Committtee will meet this Thursday afternoon, March 20, at 3:30 at the seminary.
• The second round of Practice Preaching will take place the next two Mondays, March 24 and 31, with Sems. A. Van Dyke, B. Feenstra, and I. Van Baren making and delivering new sermons.
• 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 continues 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 the important role their Christian school society has among their families and the church: "We thank God for the Annual General Meeting of the Covenant Christian Education Society that concluded yesterday. The society elected 2 board members.... We thank God for their willingness to serve on the board, in addition to the many other callings that these men have. May God bless their service, as well as the rest of the board members, for the cause of Christian education, in support of the covenant parents of the church. We thank God for the various initiatives that we can maintain as a society – the pre-school program (thrice a week) and the Bible Knowledge (BK) classes (alternate Saturdays). We thank God especially for the gift of teachers.... They have sacrificed much for the sake of our covenant children. This is something that we tend to overlook or take for granted, as parents or as members of the church, but which is most precious in God’s sight, and which He will use for the good of His covenant lambs and His church. May God continue to sustain these teachers in their labours, and also to give to us a heart for our covenant children, including those whom we are not related to by blood." 
  • 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" is now available. 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: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today.
    
  • PRCP Mission labors: "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our Facebook page. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ronaldo Marquez led her services today using PRC video sermons. Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) has received the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to this sister congregation.
    

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 "Spiritual Lethargy" based on Song of Solomon 5:1-8.
  
• 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. 
  *Special note: RBO Storytime: Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!

• 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

 "Salvation is by grace. What is salvation? A currently popular idea of salvation is that it is social and moral improvement. Jesus is not a Savior in the sense that He suffered and died on the cross and thus made atonement and brought reconciliation for the sins of God's children. Jesus, it is said, is our example. He showed us in his life how to live in peace with all men, how to realize the brotherhood of mankind under the fatherhood of God. If men would but follow the simple example of Jesus there would be peace on earth, all of our troubles would be removed, the Kingdom of God would be ushered in, and all men everywhere could enjoy the good life. You recognize this as nothing but the old social gospel which is just as prevalent today as it ever was. The church is urged to get out into the world and do something about race relations, pollution, overcrowding, population control, war and many other things. The church must not preach a "pie in the sky" salvation based on the blood of the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world. This is NOT salvation. And the preaching of this kind of salvation is not the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the infallible Scriptures. Neither will this kind of preaching yield the precious fruits of comfort, peace, and hope for God's people.

"Salvation in the Biblical sense is a very rich concept. The term used in our text literally means: to heal, to make well. It is sometimes used in reference to the healing of various persons which Jesus performed. In the spiritual sense the idea is that we are healed of the deadly disease of sin and restored to spiritual health. It also has the meaning of: to rescue from danger or destruction. And in this sense the emphasis is on the fact that God rescues us from the destruction of hell where His fierce and holy wrath burns eternally.

"Salvation then contains two essential elements: 1) it is deliverance from deepest woe, and, 2) it is a raising to highest glory."

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