​December has arrived, and just like that we soon arrive at the end of our first semester and the year of our Lord 2024. As you can see from the photo above, though it is still officially fall, winter weather has arrived and we are surrounded by God's beautiful snow.

 

First semester classes will end on Friday, December 13, followed by a week of exams, December 16-20. The PRTS will break during the weeks of Christmas and New Years, returning for the January 2025 Interim on Monday, January 6. For the remaining schedule and calendar, visit this page.

 

We praise and thank our God for His manifold blessings to us and, in this season of the year, for the most blessed gift of His Son, the Savior, Jesus Christ. May the joy, peace, and hope of our Lord be yours in this time of year and into the new year.​​

​

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, 
that ye through his poverty might be rich. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:9

​

​

​In December, chapel services will be led by Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC, Byron Center, MI). Student devotions during the last two weeks of classes will be led by Joseph Dick and Joe Ophoff.

 

On December 2 Prof. B. Gritters underwent ankle replacement surgery. Prof. R. Cammenga is taking the last two weeks of his classes while he recovers. Prof. Gritters hopes to be ready to teach when the second semester begins in mid-January.

​

​​The 2025 Interim course will be held January 6-15 and will be led by Prof. R. Cammenga, professor emeritus of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies. He plans to teach his special course on the life and theology of John Calvin. If you are interested in auditing this class, contact the seminary office.

 

​​Have you watched or listened to the videos of the recent PRTS Conference on the historic PRC stand on grace? (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace)? The conference held at Grace PRC in Grand Rapids, MI may be over (Oct.31-Nov.2) but the speeches are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the Seminary's YouTube channel.

 

This month Sem. Aaron Van Dyke is wrapping up his internship in the Wingham, Ontario PRC, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege.  He has busy with the various aspects of this special program, which includes preaching, teaching, and being exposed to church meetings and pastoral care. The internship ends December 31 and then he will return for the interim course and his final semester.  Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family as he completes this part of his training.
 

Junior Bruce Feenstra has been licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches and is keeping busy almost weekly leading services in the local PRCs. All scheduling of Mr. Feenstra must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to Bethany, the seminary secretary (seminarysecretary@prca.org), or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiper@prca.org).
 

​The Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available! This issue contains, among other things, the second part of Dr. J. Bolt's treatment of the CRC Synod of 1924 ("Unfinished Business on Common Grace"), Prof Griess' lecture on "Sexual Abuse in Calvin's Geneva," Dr. N. Willborn's lectures on "Old Princeton," a sermon warning of drunkenness (and other addictions) from Prov.23:29-35 by Prof. Kuiper, and ten book reviews. 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 (seminarysecretary@prca.org). 
 

The seminary office, library, and bookstore are open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and Bible needs.  The bookstore carries many items of interest to all readers - Bibles, commentaries, biographies, etc. And, of course, denominational publications are also available at the seminary (Psalters, Confessions and Church Order book, catechism materials, etc.). The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.

​