Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this twenty-seventh Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, July 10.

Because our Lord is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me. ...Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. ~ Psalm 60:1,3-5, 11,12

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Rev. N. Decker is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received June 26).

• Hosanna PRC's (Edmonton) Consistory  has formed a new trio: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), J. Holstege (Zion), and R. Smit (missionary to the Philippines). The congregation will vote today after the p.m. service. UPDATE: Rev. R. Smit received this call.
  
  
• Doon PRC's Council has formed a new trio of Rev. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), and Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC). The congregational meeting has been scheduled for today after the evening service. UPDATE: Rev. N. Decker received this call.
  
  
• Randolph PRC's Council has formed a new trio from which to call a new pastor: Revs. J. Holstege (Zion), J. Smidstra (First-Holland), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will call July 24 after the morning service, D.V. Also from Randolph's bulletin: "The last Sunday Rev. Guichelaar will be preaching in Randolph will be Sunday, July 17. We will have Lord's Supper in the morning, and an applicatory/farewell service in the afternoon. The Guichelaars plan to move that week. Rev. Guichelaar's installation at Grace PRC is currently scheduled for Sunday, July 31st, in the morning, with his inaugural sermon scheduled for that evening."

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Smit in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. M. McGeown in Grace PRC;  Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Noorman in Hudsonville 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.
  
  
• Special Evangelism notices:
  • First PRC-Holland: "The Zeeland Outreach Bible Study is scheduled for this week Wednesday [July 13] at 7 p.m. at the Howard Miller Public Library in Zeeland. Mr. Deane Wassink will lead on the topic of Psalm 23. Rev. Smidstra will lead the following meeting, July 27, on the topic of "Who is Jesus?" Come out and join us! Feel free to continue to take business cards to help get the word out. The Evangelism Committee is grateful for the congregation's support!"
  • Hudsonville PRC: "The Evangelism Committee invites the congregation to the second Evangelism Workshop at church on July 12 at 7:30PM. The workshop will be interactive and discussion oriented, and is a great opportunity to learn from each other on how we can spread the Gospel in our daily lives.  ...We look forward to the discussions and fellowship!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

The Western Young People's Retreat takes place this week at Camp Sanders in Tensed, Idaho. Young People from Lynden, Spokane, Lacombe, Edmonton, Loveland, and Edgerton are planning to attend! Rev. S. Regnerus and Rev. J. Langerak will speak on the theme, "Walking by Faith", from II Cor. 5:7. Pray for safety in travels and a good time of fellowship for all!

Seminary History Class: Prof. D. Kuiper’s PRC history class will meet again this Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 PM, at Southwest PRC. This week we will cover the Janssen case of 1922 and the common grace issue of 1924. Those who wish to read something relevant may read Prof. B. Gritter’s pamphlet “Grace Uncommon,” or portions of Rev. Hoeksema’s book “The Protestant Reformed Churches in America: Their Origin, Early History, and Doctrine.” Recordings of past classes are available on the seminary YouTube channel and at the seminary website, https://www.prcts.org/writings-and-media.

Synod 2022: Synod met last month at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). The annual Acts of Synod and the Yearbook for 2022 are being prepared. For daily reports and photos of this year's synod, visit this webpage.

Missions News:

• The first Mexico delegation (First PRC-GR) that went to Tabasco, Mexico visiting churches and believers there returned home safely this past Monday. The testimony of the ones who went was that it was a very profitable and enjoyable trip. They plan to return on July 4.
• Philippines mission:
  • Rev. R. Smit and his family are currently in the U.S. for their furlough. Today he preached in Doon PRC. They will be returning on July 28, D.V. May the Lord bless and be near them during their time in North America.
  • Sem. Arend Haveman is currently in the Philippines for two and a half weeks (June 23-July 11) as part of a brief missions "internship." He is assisting Rev. D. Kleyn in various aspects of the work there and speaking a word of edification in the churches.

A good crowd of people came to Prof. D. Kuiper's PRC history class this past Wednesday at Grandville PRC. Note: All future classes will be held at Southwest PRC.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary is now in its summer break. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as they stay busy with other labors and activities - from fall class preparation to weekly preaching assignments, from synod work to mission trips to Mexico, and from library/archives work to building maintenance projects.
• Prof. C. Griess was part of a delegation to Tabasco, Mexico sponsored by First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI, which returned home safely this past Monday. (see note above). This past week Prof. B. Huizinga and his family travelled to Northern Ireland to participate in the BRF family conference this week, where he will also speak and preach on Sunday.
• Prof. Kuiper is currently teaching a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949. The class will meet again this Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 PM, at Southwest PRC. This week we will cover the Janssen case of 1922 and the common grace issue of 1924. Those who wish to read something relevant may read Prof. B. Gritter’s pamphlet “Grace Uncommon,” or portions of Rev. Hoeksema’s book “The Protestant Reformed Churches in America: Their Origin, Early History, and Doctrine.” Recordings of past classes are available on the seminary YouTube channel and at the seminary website, https://www.prcts.org/writings-and-media.
• Recent graduate Marcus Wee, along with his wife and three sons, plan to return to Singapore this coming week. We pray for safe-keeping as he returns to his home church and fellow saints. Sem. M. Koerner has begun his internship this past week in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids (now that Rev. Guichalaar has accepted the call to Randolph PRC). Sem. A. Haveman has plenty of preaching assignments this summer (after being licensed at the semester), in addition to mission trips to the Philippines (June 23-July 11) and to Mexico (August).
• The spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal is at the printers, but the digital editions are on the seminary's website. This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
  
  

Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland, location of this week's BRF conference yesterday

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor.  Her bulletin this week included these thoughts on an aspect of a pastor's work: "The reason why God gives us pastors and teachers is so that all the saints in the church can be equipped to do the work of the ministry/serving for the edifying/building up of the body of Christ (Eph 4:11-12). Part of that work of service, is to visit those who are discouraged and those who are sick and dying. In the past few months, we had 2 funerals - Our dear brother Chor Kwang and brother Robert. We thank God that their suffering has ended and they are with Christ Jesus in their eternal home. Yet at the same time, the lost is still felt by all of us, and especially their loved ones. Some wounds do not heal entirely on this side of the grave. In all of this, we see that God has used these events for our sanctification and our highest good. As a church, we are learning the importance of the work of the ministry by each and every member. The Spirit works in our hearts a desire and humility to dig deeper in God’s word and be further equipped to do this work, for the glory of God in the way of the building up of each other."

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • The June 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • This is the week that the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference (July 9-16) will begin! Attendees are coming from all over the world, including several PRC members from the U.S. It will be held at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga, will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com). May the Lord richly bless the conference and provide saftey for all the travelers.
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "Sem. A. Haveman led her services today. "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF). Our pastor will lead them in their worship service at 9AM and in their study of God’s Word on the book of Ephesians 5: 20ff, D.V."
    
  • Also in Berean PRC bulletin: "Rev. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon are leaving for U.S. tomorrow. Their furlough is from July 11 to August 22; Sem. Haveman will be traveling with them, all the Lord willing. May God’s traveling mercies be with them along, with our prayers for God’s blessings upon Seminarian Haveman, in his continued Seminary training at PRTS this school year, D.V."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn led her worship services today.

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 Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC - Hudsonville, MI) will be speaking for the RWH. The focus will be a series on the  book of Nehemiah. Today's message is based on Nehemiah 13:1-3 and titled "The Separated Life."
  
• 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.). 
  

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Did you know that you can read speeches delivered at past British Reformed Conferences? Check out this booklet of past speeches from the 2004 BRF Conference.

• Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is temporarily closed while it moves into a new building that is being renovated. See the following note for details.
  Special notices re the RBO! Reformed Book Outlet is in process of moving! We have found a new building for our store in downtown Hudsonville on Harvey St. after needing to move out of our current location in Keegstra’s Dollar Store. We need to do some renovations to the building before we can move in, so watch the bulletin or our social media pages for updates on when we will open in our new location. In the mean time, our website will still be open for ordering, for shipping or for local pickup (more details on this to come)!. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know you’re able to help us move or with any questions!
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"The benefits of baptism are the same for children as for adults: the forgiveness of sins, regeneration, and incorporation into the church of Christ. And those benefits are not first granted only in baptism but are already enjoyed in faith by those who receive baptism according to the will of God. Baptism does not confer a single benefit that has not already been promised in the Word and accepted by faith, but conferring the same benefits as the Word, it confers them in a different manner and form so that faith is confirmed and strengthened by it in the measure that God has given to each.

This rule applies also to children. For just as without their knowledge they can be regenerated by the Holy Spirit and endowed with the capacity to believe, so they can also without their knowledge be strengthened in that capacity by the same Spirit. At work here…is a mysterious reciprocal activity. Just as light and the human eye presuppose and support each other, so faith enjoys the sacrament more to the degree that it is stronger, and faith is sealed and reinforced by the sacrament to the same degree as well.

For maturing believers, therefore, the sacraments do not gradually decrease in importance but continually gain in value. To the eye of faith they ever more beautifully and gloriously display the riches of God's grace. For every believer and for the whole church, they are proof of grace received, a sign of God's faithfulness, a basis for pleading one’s case in prayer, a supporting pillar for one's faith, and an exhortation to new obedience."

~ Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics (4.532) - found in Byron Center PRC's bulletin today

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this twenty-sixth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, July 3.

Because our Lord is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. ...For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. ...But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. ~ Psalm 59: 1,3, 8-10, 16-17 

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Last Sunday Rev. N. Decker received the call to Hudsonville PRC.
  
  
• From Randolph PRC's bulletin today: "The last Sunday Rev. Guichelaar will be preaching in Randolph will be Sunday, July 17. We will have Lord's Supper in the morning, and an applicatory/farewell service in the afternoon. The Guichelaars plan to move that week. Rev. Guichelaar's installation at Grace PRC is currently scheduled for Sunday, July 31st, in the morning, with his inaugural sermon scheduled for that evening."

• Hosanna PRC's (Edmonton) Consistory  has formed a new trio: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), J. Holstege (Zion), and R. Smit (missionary to the Philippines). The congregation will vote on July 10 after the p.m. service.
  
  
• Doon PRC's Council has formed a new trio of Rev. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), and Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC). The congregational meeting has been scheduled for July 10 after the evening service.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Elders lead a.m. service; Rev. Brummel 2 p.m. in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (1st week) in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. A. Spriensma in Grace PRC;  Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. G. Eriks (3 p.m.) in Hudsonville 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.
  
  

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Group photo taken at the PRCP conference this past Saturday (see news item below).

Synod 2022: Synod met last month at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). The annual Acts of Synod and the Yearbook for 2022 are being prepared. For daily reports and photos of this year's synod, visit this webpage.

Contact Committee: Philippines Conference: Revs. Jim Laning and Bill Langerak traveled to the Philippines this past week to participate in a conference yesterday (July 2) sponsored by our sister church, the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (cf. photos above and below). They, together with Rev. Daniel Kleyn, gave three speeches and participated in Q&A sessions. The conference theme was "Contending for the Faith: Doctrinal Development Since the Schism." Today, Rev. J. Laning preached in Berean PRC, while Rev. W. Langerak preached in Provident PRC. "Please pray that the Lord will bless this work of our churches together with our sister churches in the Philippines for the cause of the truth and the good of His church universal."

Photo of the Q&A period at the PRCP conference held yesterday at Berean PRC

Missions News:

• Mexico delegation (First PRC-GR's bulletin last week): "Professor Griess, Dan and Madeline Monsma, and several others [Rev. J. Mahtani, Kyle Bruinooge, Matt Koerner, Sharon Kleyn] are leaving tomorrow morning for Tabasco, Mexico, visiting churches and believers there. This visit includes two conferences [on Christian education] and preaching in different churches. They plan to return on July 4. We pray God's blessing and safety on the delegation."
• Philippines mission:
  • Rev. R. Smit and his family are currently in the U.S. for their furlough. They will be returning on July 28, D.V. May the Lord bless and be near them during their time in North America.
  • Sem. Arend Haveman is currently in the Philippines for two and a half weeks (June 23-July 11) as part of a brief missions "internship." He will be assisting Rev. D. Kleyn in various aspects of the work there and speaking a word of edification in the churches.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary is now in its summer break. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as they stay busy with other labors and activities - from fall class preparation to weekly preaching assignments, from synod work to mission trips to Mexico, and from library/archives work to building maintenance projects.
• Prof. C. Griess is currently part of a delegation to Tabasco, Mexico sponsored by First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI, which will return tomorrow, D.V. (see note above). This past week they held two conferences on Christian education and today he is preaching in a Presbyterian church. In this coming week Prof. B. Huizinga and his family will travel to Northern Ireland to participate in the BRF family conference, where he will also speak and preach in Covenant PRC next Sunday.
• Prof. Kuiper is eager to teach the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949. The first class is this Wednesday, July 6. The class on July 6 will cover the background, and on July 13 the formation, of the PRCA. The classes will also treat the history of the PRCA in the later 1920s (July 20) and in the 1930s and 1940s (August 10, 17, 24). The class on July 6 will meet at the seminary building; all other classes will be held at Southwest PRC. The classes will be recorded, but not livestreamed. All friends of the PRCA are welcome to attend.
• Sem. M. Koerner will begin his internship this week in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids (now that Rev. Guichalaar has accepted the call to Randolph PRC), when he returns tomorrow from the delegation that went to Mexico this past week with a group from First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. Sem. A. Haveman has plenty of preaching assignments this summer (after being licensed at the semester), in addition to mission trips to the Philippines (June 23-July 11) and to Mexico (August).
• The spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal is at the printers, but the digital editions are on the seminary's website. This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
  
  

Lunch at the PRC-Philippines conference yesterday (see more photos above and more news below)

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor.  Her bulletin this week included these thoughts on coming to the Lord's table: Here is the wonder of our salvation, our Lord Jesus Christ, by His Spirit’s work in us, by His irresistible and sovereign grace, that we repent in dust and ashes of our sin and look to Christ alone. It is because God 3 turns us, that is the only reason why we turn to him “turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.” – Jer 31:18b. God and God alone works in us, His elect people to look up to the Lord Jesus Christ, that we not perish. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” – Phil 2:13 How about repentance? Where did that godly sorrow of our sin come from? It is completely, absolutely, entirely, totally a gift of God worked in us, beginning to end. “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” – Acts 5:31 Let not the devil deceive you that God does not work in us this powerful work, this sincere sorrow of heart for all of sins and turn unto the Christ.

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • The June 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • This is the week that the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference (July 9-16) will begin! Attendees are coming from all over the world, including several PRC members from the U.S. It will be held at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga, will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com). May the Lord richly bless the conference and provide saftey for all the travelers.
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC) led her services today. "Rev. Ibe and deacon San Juan are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF). Our pastor will lead them in their worship service at 9AM and in their study of God’s Word on the book of Ephesians 4:12ff at 10:45AM, D.V." Also, "We thank the Lord for His blessings upon the conference held yesterday at our church. May God used the speeches given to the upbuilding of the faith of the saints in the PRCP for His glory and for Jesus’ sake."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC) led her worship services today (cf. the next note). 
  • Rev. D. Kleyn and Sem. Arend Haveman are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan and Sem. Arend will speak a word of edification at their worship service today, D.V."

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 Rev. R. Kleyn (First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) continues speaking for the RWH. The focus will be a series on the life of Joseph. Today's message is based on Nehemiah 12:27-47 and titled "The Dedication of the Walls."
  
• 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.). 
  

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REFORMED FREE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

The Rock Whence We Are Hewn is comprised of various pamphlets and booklets written very early in the history of the Protestant Reformed Churches—between 1919 and 1940. The authors are two men whom God used in forming these churches—Herman Hoeksema and Henry Danhof. All the writings explain and defend the great doctrines of the Reformed faith that were fundamental to the founding of the Protestant Reformed Churches—covenant, predestination, particular grace, and antithesis. These writings therefore were used to establish these churches in the very beginning of their history. The contents of the book are their foundational writings.

REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

• Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is temporarily closed while it moves into a new building that is being renovated. See the following note for details.
  Special notices re the RBO! Reformed Book Outlet is in process of moving! We have found a new building for our store in downtown Hudsonville on Harvey St. after needing to move out of our current location in Keegstra’s Dollar Store. We need to do some renovations to the building before we can move in, so watch the bulletin or our social media pages for updates on when we will open in our new location. In the mean time, our website will still be open for ordering, for shipping or for local pickup (more details on this to come)!. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know you’re able to help us move or with any questions!
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"Show honor to whom honor is due. Honor them because the powers that be are ordained of God. God has given each of these powers his respective place at every level of government, whether it be those who make the laws, those who judge the laws, or those who enforce the laws. Too often the authorities are held in low esteem and are the butt of endless jokes. But the magistrates are the ministers of God to the church for good (Rom. 13:4).

"Be patriotic, not just outwardly, and not only after a crisis, by displaying a flag, but because you love God. Realize that the country in which He has placed you and the government that is over you are God’s gifts. Be loyal to that country and its leaders, be zealous for them, and teach your children to be patriotic, also in our Christian schools, whether it be by pledging allegiance to the flag or by their study in a civics class.

"Be good citizens for God’s sake. If given opportunity, vote. God has given us the ability to have a voice in our government. It is the duty of every citizen to encourage the magistrate to rule well and to admonish him if he should fail. In a democracy we can do that by voting or, as individual believers, by writing letters to the authorities. We must avoid the Anabaptistic approach of non-involvement in the political process. We may not hide ourselves behind the wall of total political inactivity or take the position of fatalism, “What will be, will be. These things are in God’s hands and He will take care of it. One vote will not make any difference anyhow. Politics is just a dirty business.” In a democracy it has pleased God to appoint the ordained authority through the popular vote. Should the Christian citizen allow the ungodly to determine the course and actions of their government? We have no illusions that America is a Christian nation. But it pleases God to appoint leaders over us. We vote, then, not blindly according to party affiliation, nor for a candidate who stands on a platform that is patently anti-Christian. But we vote carefully, with an informed conscience, selecting those who most nearly represent the God-ordained purpose of government. There are a host of issues that
will reveal and illustrate the convictions of the candidates. Write letters to applaud just actions or admonish wrong actions. Witness to the government by speaking to and corresponding with elected representatives."

~ Rev. A. Spriensma in "For God and Country: The Reformed Perspective on Patriotism"

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Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this twenty-fifth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, June 26.

Because our Lord is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. ~ Psalm 58,1-2, 6, 10-11

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Last Sunday Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) accepted the call to Grace PRC. We rejoice with this Council and congregation as God has provided a new undershepherd to care for them and minister the Word according to their needs. May the Lord be with the Guichelaars as they prepare to bid farewell to Randolph PRC and transition to Grace.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC) declined the call from Doon PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland) declined the calls he received from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton) and from Zion PRC to serve as home missionary.
  
  
• Hudsonville PRC's Council has made a new trio: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC), and Rev. D. Noorman (SW-PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for this evening. *UPDATE: Rev. N. Decker has received this call.
  
  
• From Hosanna PRC's (Edmonton) bulletin today: "A new trio has been formed of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), J. Holstege (Zion), and R. Smit (Philippines). We will have a congregational meeting to vote on the trio on July 10th , after the PM service."

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. H. Bleyenberg (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Rev. R. Smit and Rev. W. Langerak in Grace PRC;  Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC.  Rev. M. DeVries is in Lacombe PRC for two Sundays while Rev. Bleyenberg is in Doon. 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.
  
  

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Synod 2022: Synod met earlier this month at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). For daily reports and photos of this year's synod, visit this webpage or the church news pages.

Contact Committee: Philippines Conference: Revs. Jim Laning and Bill Langerak will be traveling to the Philippines to participate in a conference on July 2 sponsored by our sister church, The Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. They, together with Rev. Daniel Kleyn, will give three speeches to be followed by a question and answer period. The conference theme is Contending for the Faith: Doctrinal Development Since the Schism. Please pray that the Lord will bless this work of our churches together with our sister churches in the Philippines for the cause of the truth and the good of His church universal. The Contact Committee of the PRC.

Missions News:

• From First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI bulletin today: "Professor Griess, Dan and Madeline Monsma, and several others [Rev. J. Mahtani, Kyle Bruinooge, Matt Korner, Sharon Kleyn] are leaving tomorrow morning for Tabasco, Mexico, visiting churches and believers there. This visit includes two conferences [on Christian education] and preaching in different churches. They plan to return on July 4. We pray God's blessing and safety on the delegation."
• Home missions: Last Sunday  Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland) declined the call from Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) to serve as PRC home missionary.
• Philippines mission:
  • Rev. R. Smit and his family are currently in the U.S. for their furlough. They will be returning on July 28, D.V. May the Lord bless and be near them during their time in North America.
  • This past week Sem. Arend Haveman arrived in the Philippines for two and a half weeks (June 23-July 11) as part of a brief missions "internship." He will be assisting Rev. D. Kleyn in various aspects of the work there and speaking a word of edification in the churches.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary has now completed its second semester and entered its summer break. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as we enter the summer months with other labors and activities planned - from fall class preparation to weekly preaching assignments, from synod work to mission trips to Mexico, and from library inventory to building maintenance projects.
• The Theological School Commitee (TSC), with help from Byron Center PRC,  held a special retirement dinner for Prof. R. Dykstra and his wife Carol this past Monday at Georgetown PRC. A wonderful meal was enjoyed and special remarks were made by Rev. W. Langerak and Prof. B. Gritters. We again take the opportunity to thank the Lord for the 26 years that Prof. Dykstra served in our denominational seminary.
• Prof. Kuiper is eager to teach the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949. The class on July 6 will cover the background, and on July 13 the formation, of the PRCA. The classes will also treat the history of the PRCA in the later 1920s (July 20) and in the 1930s and 1940s (August 10, 17, 24). The class on July 6 will meet at the seminary building; all other classes will be held at Southwest PRC. The classes will be recorded, but not livestreamed. All friends of the PRCA are welcome to attend.
• Sem. M. Koerner will begin his internship in July at Hope PRC-Grand Rapids (now that Rev. Guichalaar has accepted the call to Randolph PRC), after a mission trip to Mexico this week with a group from First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI Sem. A. Haveman has plenty of preaching assignments this summer (after being licensed at the semester), in addition to mission trips to the Philippines (June 23-July 11) and to Mexico.
• The spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal is at the printers, but the digital editions are on the seminary's website. This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor.  Her bulletin this week included these thoughts on suffering (after describing various afflicitons in the congregation): "But how is God glorified in the suffering of His people? When the child of God knows full well that all these afflictions and sufferings come from God, when he is no stoic but with tears streaming down his face in agony and pain, the child of God by the sovereign grace of God yet still confesses from the heart and with his mouth, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him”, there God is glorified. Though he slays me, yet will we worship God, sing praises to the only Good and the overflowing fountain of all God. The infinitely wise and righteous One. My Covenant God."

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • The June 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was recently published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • The 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference (July 9-16) at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland will soon be here! The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • The last Philippines mission newsletter was published in April. Read that at the link provided here.
  • Berean PRC bulletin: "Rev. Ibe led her services today. "Rev. Ibe arrived safely from the U.S. on Thursday.... God be praised for traveling mercies graciously provided for our pastor...."
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Sem. A. Haveman led her worship services today (cf. the next note). 
  • "Sem. Arend Haveman, a 3rd-year seminary student in the PRCA seminary, will be arriving here on Saturday [June 25], the Lord willing, for a visit of three Sundays. The Council has approved for him to speak a word of edification for us in both services next Sunday [today, June 26] (cf. Article 20 of the Church Order). The Council also approved that Arend will speak a word of edification in the BLCC in Guiguinto on July 3, DV. We look forward to his visit and time among us." 

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 Rev. R. Kleyn (First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) continues speaking for the RWH. The focus will be a series on the life of Joseph. Today's message is based on Genesis 50:14-26 (the concluding one) and titled "Joseph's Confession Concerning Providence."
  
• 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.). 
  

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What are you reading this summer? Does your reading include the Standard Bearer? Check out the subscription information here!

REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

• Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is temporarily closed while it moves into a new building that is being renovated. See the following note for details.
  Special notices re the RBO! Reformed Book Outlet is in process of moving! We have found a new building for our store in downtown Hudsonville on Harvey St. after needing to move out of our current location in Keegstra’s Dollar Store. We need to do some renovations to the building before we can move in, so watch the bulletin or our social media pages for updates on when we will open in our new location. In the mean time, our website will still be open for ordering, for shipping or for local pickup (more details on this to come)!. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know you’re able to help us move or with any questions!
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"In our day, over against all forms of Arminianism, it especially needs to be stressed that God is immutable in His love and mercy. It is certainly not the case that God loves someone in time but then, when he dies, He hates him and casts him into hell forever!

"Those whom God loves, He loves eternally and unchangeably. As Psalm 136 declares an emphatic 26 times, “his mercy endureth for ever.” Repeatedly we are called to give Jehovah thanks, for He “smote Egypt in their firstborn … [and] overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea … [and] slew famous kings … Sihon king of the Amorites … [and] Og the king of Bashan” (10, 15, 18, 19, 20). Why? “for his mercy endureth for ever”! There is no mercy for Pharaoh, Sihon, Og and their idolatrous people, whom He destroyed. Jehovah has everlasting mercy for His elect people in Jesus Christ and shows this by slaying their impenitent enemies.

"Romans 8:38-39 is extremely forceful in teaching that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” After listing nine of the leading candidates for effecting such a terrible separation, including “death,” it adds, as a sort of universal catchall, “nor any other creature.” God’s love is everlasting and invincibly adhesive, for we are united to Him forever! Again, we see that our comfort lies in the truth that our covenant Lord is “the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

"Whom does the Most High love? He unchangeably loves Himself (as the highest good), His beloved Son incarnate and all His elect in Christ Jesus. He loves us unchangeably and He loves us “unto the end” (John 13:1)!"

~ Rev. A. Stewart in the latest Covenant Reformed News (June 2022)