PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 27, 2025 *(Updated)

On this seventeenth 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.

O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built. Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee. For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. ~ Isaiah 25:1-4

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of April 27. 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

• Last Sunday Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON) declined the call from Southwest PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill declined the call to Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
  
  
• Last Sunday Grandville PRC voted to call Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC).
  
  
• Prof. B. Gritters (PRC Seminary) is considering the call to Grace PRC (received April 13). He plans to answer by May 4.
  
  
• The Consistory of Lynden PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a minister: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC), and J. Marcus (Peace PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for May 4 after the morning worship service.
  
  
• Southwest PRC's Council has formed a new trio of Revs. R. Barnhill, W. Langerak, and D. Lee. A special congregational meeting is planned for May 4 after the evening service to call from this trio.
  
  
• *Hudsonville PRC's Council announces a new trio of Revs. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and J. Maatman (SE PRC). The congregation will vote on May 11.
  
  
• *Cornerstone PRC's Council (Dyer, IN) has formed a new trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), J. Maatman (SE PRC), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). They plan to call from this trio May 18.
  
  
• Byron Center PRC's Council presents the following trio for a minster on loan to Provident PRC in the Philippines: Revs. H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC – Lacombe), M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) and J. Smidstra (First PRC - Holland). Election will take place at the congregational meeting scheduled for May 20, 2025.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (April 27) in the vacant PRCs: Prof. R. Dykstra in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Haak in Grace PRC; Sem. B. Feenstra and Rev. J. Holstege in Grandville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd of two weeks) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. McGeown 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 and respond to the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational Notices:

• Byron Center PRC's Evangelism Committee has recently published a variety of podcasts now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you listen to podcasts. These episodes cover a range of Christian topics and feature engaging conversations with different guests from across our denomination. We encourage you to listen, be edified, and share with others! 
  And, "Our Community Bible study is to meet this Thursday at Byron Township Library to continue our discussion of Genesis 2:4 and following. This meeting starts at 6:30 PM on May 1. We hope you can join us and bring a friend!"
• First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday, April 30, at 7:00 p.m. [at the church]. We'll discuss the Fall of Jericho, from Hebrews 11:30 and Joshua 6:1-21."
• Hudsonville PRC: "We are thankful to God for leading Rev. Spriensma to Hudsonville and are thankful for the work he is already doing here. The Council invites the congregation to a welcome coffee for Rev. and Mrs. Spriensma after the morning service today. Please join us for this special event as a way to show our appreciation! "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." Romans 15:7

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 (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..
  
  
• Classis East will meet on Wednesday, May 14, at Grace PRC. The agenda is available on the PRCA website (go to "current," "bulletins," and “Classis East” to access it - registered users only).
  
  
• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by visiting prca100.org. 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 (which is now passed). 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.
  
  100th Anniversary Singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall: On June 5, the Thursday evening of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, thousands of brothers and sisters from around the world will join together at the DeVos Performance Hall to sing and rejoice in God's faithfulness. The night's singspiration will conclude with a grand symphonic orchestra and chorus, filling our souls with gratitude to God for His grace. Visit prca100.org/singspiration for details.
   
  100th Anniversary Sponsorship Opportunities: The planning committee has identified specific areas where financial support is needed including the event, travel subsidies, and the singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall. Businesses, congregations, societies, and individuals are asked to consider a sponsorship. Visit prca100.org/sponsor to learn more and complete a pledge form by May 1. To discuss a pledge, please contact the finance committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
  
  
• New Psalter: The committee to help familiarize the PRC with the revised Psalter announces that the synodically-approved revised Psalters have been printed and will be delivered to the churches in the coming weeks. As your Psalters arrive, there are two YouTube channels that will be helpful. 2024 Psalter (www.youtube.com/@2024Psalter) has vocal and instrumental recordings of the new songs and tunes. Another work-in-progress is found at Andrew Remillard (www.youtube.com/@AndrewRemillard/playlists). It includes piano recordings of the first Psalter numbers, and more songs will be added. You are encouraged to make use of these resources as you familiarize yourselves with the Psalter.
• Psalter-sing! Advance notice: May 18: You are invited to come to Grace PRC at 7:45 p.m. for an area-wide presentation on the revised Psalter. The Psalters are expected to arrive in late April and will be distributed to every household. Grace will not have enough for everyone, so take your own along. The presentation will be different from previous ones, which introduced the revision; this will involve more singing from the revised Psalter.
  
  
• 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. 

PRYP's Convention 2025 – LAST CHANCE!

• Convention 2025: Last Chance to Register! Haven’t registered yet for the 2025 Young People’s Convention? There’s still time—but don’t wait! Late registration is now open with an added fee. 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..

• NEW! Convention- Special Needs Day: The 2025 YP Convention host church of Hudsonville PRC invites individuals with special needs or disabilities from our church community (high school age and above) to join us at convention on Wednesday, August 13. With the camp located just 1.5 hours north of Grand Rapids, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a day of fun and fellowship with everyone. Our prayer is that this special day will be a blessing to all and an opportunity to experience how we can all serve the body of Christ with the different abilities He has given to us. For more details or to sign up, visit our website https://prcconvention.com/serving-one-another-day/. We can't wait to spend the day with you! Contact Alyssa VanBaren – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 616.581.5768 with any questions.

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters week fourteen of the second semester tomorrow. Faculty, students, and staff covet your prayers in these final weeks of the school year.
• Prof. B. Gritters has received the call from Grace PRC (Standale, MI). Remember him in prayer as he considers this call while also having one more year of professor transition left (2025-26). He plans to answer by May 4.
• Rev. E. Guichelaar will lead chapel this Wednesday, while Sem. I. Van Baren will lead the daily devotions.
• The seminary faculty rejoices to inform the churches that it has licensed Seminarian Isaac Van Baren to speak a word of edification in the churches. We ask you to pray that in this way our brother be further prepared for the gospel ministry. All requests for him to lead a worship service must be directed to the seminary rector or secretary.
• 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.
• Sems. Aaron Van Dyke, Bruce Feenstra, and now Isaac Van Baren 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.).
• The Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal is back from the printer and was mailed out this week. The digital copy (pdf) is available on the journal page linked here. This new issue contains the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924 (*see note below). 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. 
• 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 historic (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 services. In today's "pastoral voice" Pastor Tan writes more on the subject of Christian discipline: "True love for the sinner seeks not superficial reconciliation, but genuine repentance—a repentance that manifests not in words alone, nor in emotional displays, but in a broken and contrite heart before the face of God (Psalm 51:17). True love remembers that “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:16), and it waits patiently for the lasting fruits of repentance."
  • A NEW issue of Salt Shakers is available - March2025, #75!  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! This new issue contains articles on the mission work in Kolkata, testimonies of CERC member conversions, and the beginning of a series on the NT prophecy of Revelation.

• 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 the latest 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. And, "Our brothers and sisters in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, will join us in our worship services today via live stream on our Facebook page."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. W. Bruinsma led her services today. "Our congregation praises the LORD and is grateful for having Rev. Bruinsma back in the Philippines. Rev. Bruinsma will fill the pulpit of Provident PRC from April 20 to May 25, 2025, the Lord willing."
  • PRCP Mission labors: "Rev. Ibe and Deacon Ronald Marquez [Provident PRC] visited with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on April 24 - 25, 2025, and it went very well again, by the grace of God. During their time there, Rev. Ibe delivered lectures on the Church Order of Dort, covering Articles 17 21, as well as on Reformed Dogmatics (Soteriology) with a focus on the Ordo Salutis (Calling). We pray that God would continue to grant spiritual strength and growth to the churches in these areas as they learn and embrace the Reformed truth of His sovereign, particular grace in Christ Jesus, for His sake alone."

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 - April 2025  - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, including special Lenten and Easter messages. This week's message is titled "The Resurrection of the Body" based on 1 Corinthians 15:35-38.
  
• 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.).

April MONTHLY SALE is

...The Church Order Commentary!

• 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

 "Jesus proclaimed to them that He had not come simply to fix up the mess that Adam had made, but that He had come to bring us to the eternal Paradise of God, to implant into our bodies by His power immortal life; that He had established peace between us and God; and that He had established everlasting life through His death and through His resurrection. 

"The Lord did this by speaking to the disciples from the Scriptures. He said to them, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." He showed them from the same source that we have today—the holy Scriptures. The resurrection and all the truth of the Bible is revealed to us in Scripture. It is not something that you cannot understand. It is not a riddle book. It is the truth of our salvation by grace. And Jesus gave to His church a glorious explanation of the Scriptures. He opened their understanding that they might believe the Scriptures. 

"Do you have that same wonder performed upon your heart today—the risen Christ, by His Holy Spirit, opening your heart before the Scriptures, declaring to you that He is risen from the dead? Do you understand what the resurrection means? It means this: We are justified. It means that our sins are indeed pardoned. That first of all. For, you see, if the Lord had been left in the grave, that would testify that His work upon the cross had been a failure. But when God raises His Son on the third day, when God takes His Son out of the grave, God is declaring that the work that His Son performed on the cross was, in all points, perfect! 

What was that work? That work was to obtain the pardon for all the sins of God's chosen. That work was to grant unto us, through His obedience, a perfect and spotless righteousness. That work was, in one word, justification! The resurrection declares that we are justified. The work of Jesus was successful. Our sins are forgiven on the basis of the cross of Jesus Christ. The risen Savior stands in His church and He declares that to us today. You, who are burdened in your sins—is the resurrection gospel heard in your ears? You are pardoned. 

But there is more. The resurrection gospel declares that we now are alive. We, too, are raised in newness of life. He is risen as Head of the church. By His Holy Spirit He implants into us His own resurrection, so that we too are born from above. We are given the principle of life eternal in our hearts."

Taken from the radio message of Rev. C. Haak, "The Risen Lord and the Gathered Church," of this month's featured resources