PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 4, 2025 *(Updated)

On this eighteenth 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.

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. ~ Isaiah 26:1-4

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of May 4. 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

• Today Prof. B. Gritters (PRC Seminary) declined the call to Grace PRC.
  
  
• Today Lynden PRC voted to call Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC). 
  
  
• Tonight after the evening service Southwest PRC is to vote from her Council's new trio of Revs. R. Barnhill, W. Langerak, and D. Lee. *Rev. Barnhill has received this call.
  
  
• Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC) is considering the call from Grandville PRC (received April 20). 
  
  
• 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.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (May 4) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. C. Haak in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Smidstra in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Sem. A. VanDyke in Grandville PRC; Rev. M. Koerner in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Smit (1st of two weeks) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. R. Cammenga 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:

• Lynden (WA) PRC: "From the Consistory: The oversight of Covenant of Grace Fellowship in Spokane has been transferred from Loveland PRC to Lynden PRC. We have received from Loveland the membership papers of the following Covenant of Grace members.... We have also received the ministerial credentials of Rev. Hanko from the Classical Committee. Pray that God will use our church to encourage the Covenant of Grace Fellowship and promote, if it be His will, their further growth both numerically and spiritually!"
• Pittsburgh (PA) PRC: "The Evangelism Committee invites all members of the congregation to evangelism classes/discussions beginning this Tuesday evening, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Pastor Mahtani will lead discussions based on Rev. Kortering’s booklet Evangelism in the Established Church."

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..
  
  
• This week Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6-7, Rev. J. Laning and Rev. A. Stewart will participate in a special conference in Budapest, Hungary. They will both speak for the conference that has the theme of The Ministry of Christ's Church. May the Lord grant them safe travels and a profitable conference.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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. 

Rev. E. Guichelaar leading chapel last Wednesday at PRTS.

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary enters its fifteenth and final week of classes for the second semester tomorrow. The week of exams will follow (May 12-16). Faculty, students, and staff covet your prayers in these final weeks of the school year.
• Today Prof. B. Gritters declined the call from Grace PRC (Standale, MI). We are thankful for the Lord's leading as he plans to enter his final year of teaching in the coming year (2025-26).
• Rev. E. Guichelaar will again lead chapel this Wednesday, while Sem. J. Dick 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 last month. 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!
  
  

Special conference in Budapest Hungary this week (see under Covenant PRC-N.Ireland below)

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 today's "pastoral voice" Pastor Tan writes more on the subject of Christian discipline: "Let us therefore as a church family respond faithfully to God’s gracious discipline, whether it be by the preaching, from fellow believers, or officially from the elders. When we have sinned, let us respond not with pride or bitterness, but with sincere repentance, humility, and trust. For in Christ, 'we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;' Eph 1:7."
  • The latest 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. 
    
  • *Special note: "Hungarian Conference: Rev. & Mary Stewart and Julian & Marie Kennedy plan to travel to Budapest on Monday, 5 May, for a conference there. Rev. Jim Laning will be giving lectures on the doctrine of the church and Rev. Stewart will give an historical lecture. Please pray for this witness and the saints in Hungary."
  • 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. W. Bruinsma led her worship services today. And, "Rev. Ibe is scheduled to preach at All of Grace PRF in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija today. Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 11 AM, all the Lord willing."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Jun Armas led her services today. Byron PRC’s new trio from which to call a pastor to serve as a Minister-on-loan to the Provident PRC, Philippines. Revs. H. Bleyenberg, M. De Boer, and J. Smidstra.

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 - May 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak that begin to treat the Beatitudes our Lord spoke. This week's message is titled "Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit" based on Matthew 5:3.
  
• 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 Reformed monthly magazine the Standard Bearer is now in its 101st year of publication, and continues to print edifying articles on Reformed and biblical subjects for teenagers, young adults, and adults. If you are not a subscriber, ask for your free copy today by visiting the RFPA website. There you may also browse past issues to get a taste of what you are missing!

• 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

 "Yet, to be saved by works is a human impossibility.

"We are an utterly dependent people, dependent upon the providential hand of the Almighty. God gives us our life, our ability to breathe, our very existence. He determines and directs our lives from the moment we are born until the moment we pass on to eternity. We cannot take one step, utter one word, or think a single thought, except by the sustaining hand of the Almighty. All that we are and all that we have we owe to God. If it were possible for us to do all that God requires of us, even at best we would be unprofitable servants, as humiliating as that may seem. That applies also to every spiritual blessing—we have added nothing, we have merited nothing!

"Besides that, we are depraved sinners, enemies of God, self-seekers, proud, carnally-minded, dead in trespasses and sins. The carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. There is none that doeth good of any sort, no not one. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in the sight of the living God.

"The fathers said that if we must add as much as a blade of straw to our salvation we are lost forever.

"We are saved by grace only.

"In Romans 11 Paul speaks of a remnant that is saved according to the election of grace. To which he adds: 'And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work' (Rom. 11:6)."

Taken from the Standard Bearer article, "Saved by Grace," by Rev. C. Hanko