Welcome
Thank you so much for joining us! The following page will take you through the order of worship for this Sunday.
If you are new, welcome! We also want to invite you to learn more about us. You can do so by selecting the button below.
If you are new, welcome! We also want to invite you to learn more about us. You can do so by selecting the button below.
A few tips for parents:
- Plan for your time – read through the guide and prepare the room where you are gathering
- Make your time joyful – have fun!!!
- Remember, it’s primarily about a relationship, not a task to scratch off
- Have your kids participate in age and maturity appropriate ways – reading, singing, etc.
Time of Reflection
“The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.”
~Athanasius, 4th century church leader and Bishop of Alexandria
“If Jesus didn’t come, the story of Christmas is one more moral paradigm to crush you. If Jesus didn’t come, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere around these Christmas stories that say we need to be sacrificing, we need to be humble, we need to be loving. All that will do is crush you into the ground, because if it isn’t true that John saw Him, heard Him, felt Him, that Jesus really came to do these things, then Christmas is depressing.”
~Tim Keller, Author and retired pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church New York City
“O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark street shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
~Phillips Brooks, 19th century minister and author of the Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
“If the genealogy of Jesus comes as a stinging rebuke to human pride, it can also come to us as a gentle solace to whatever we have experienced at the hands of human devastation and dysfunction.”
~Scotty Smith founding pastor of Christ Community Church of Franklin, TN
“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before Him.”
~1 Corinthians 1:27-29
~Athanasius, 4th century church leader and Bishop of Alexandria
“If Jesus didn’t come, the story of Christmas is one more moral paradigm to crush you. If Jesus didn’t come, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere around these Christmas stories that say we need to be sacrificing, we need to be humble, we need to be loving. All that will do is crush you into the ground, because if it isn’t true that John saw Him, heard Him, felt Him, that Jesus really came to do these things, then Christmas is depressing.”
~Tim Keller, Author and retired pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church New York City
“O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark street shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
~Phillips Brooks, 19th century minister and author of the Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
“If the genealogy of Jesus comes as a stinging rebuke to human pride, it can also come to us as a gentle solace to whatever we have experienced at the hands of human devastation and dysfunction.”
~Scotty Smith founding pastor of Christ Community Church of Franklin, TN
“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before Him.”
~1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Opening Prayer
(select someone from your group to open your service in prayer)
Call to Worship
Psalm 97:1-5
LEADER: The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
PEOPLE: Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
LEADER: Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
PEOPLE: His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
LEADER: The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
LEADER: The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
PEOPLE: Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
LEADER: Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
PEOPLE: His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
LEADER: The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
Songs & Liturgy
(sing as a group and/or sing along to recorded versions)
ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
(St. Francis, 1225, & William H. Draper 1928, Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird)
(St. Francis, 1225, & William H. Draper 1928, Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird)
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
All the redeemed washed by His blood,
Come and rejoice in His great love,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Christ has defeated every sin.
Cast all your burdens now on Him,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
He shall return in pow’r to reign.
Heaven and earth will join to say,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Then who shall fall on bended knee?
All creatures of our God and King,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
©2013 Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License #1791178
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
All the redeemed washed by His blood,
Come and rejoice in His great love,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Christ has defeated every sin.
Cast all your burdens now on Him,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
He shall return in pow’r to reign.
Heaven and earth will join to say,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Then who shall fall on bended knee?
All creatures of our God and King,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
©2013 Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License #1791178
PSALM MEDITATION: Psalm 97:6-9
LEADER: The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
PEOPLE: All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!
LEADER: Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
PEOPLE: For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
LEADER: O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
PEOPLE: He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
LEADER: Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
PEOPLE: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
LEADER: The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
PEOPLE: All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!
LEADER: Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
PEOPLE: For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
LEADER: O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
PEOPLE: He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
LEADER: Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
PEOPLE: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
Sharing
(as a lead into the Prayer Time, as a group share how you are feeling and what you are learning; below are suggested questions)
Prayer Time
(You may have an open time of prayer or select someone to pray)
- Pray for our church’s short and long-term meeting place needs, that God would give us favor in the eyes of those in authority and that He would give us provision that would go far beyond all that we could ask or imagine.
- Pray for our world – that the good news of Jesus Christ would flourish and that many would come to know God genuinely and personally.
- Pray for those experiencing racial injustices; specifically, that God would bring hope, reconciliation, and restoration through the good news of His Son.
- Pray for those in authority at every level in our country, that they would govern wisely and justly.
Listen to Sermon
“The Genesis of Jesus”
preached by Noah Crane
preached by Noah Crane
Song of Response
(sing as a group and/or sing along to recorded versions)
HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US
(Stuart Townend)
(Stuart Townend)
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss.
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything:
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.
©1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI#1791178
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss.
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything:
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.
©1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI#1791178
Confession of Faith
Adapted from Hebrews 10
LEADER: We proclaim the mystery of the faith.
CONGREGATION: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
LEADER: And by the blood of Christ Jesus, God has made a way for us to enter the Most Holy Place, through the curtain of Christ’s broken body.
CONGREGATION: Therefore, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
And let us consider how to motivate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the day drawing near.
LEADER: We proclaim the mystery of the faith.
CONGREGATION: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
LEADER: And by the blood of Christ Jesus, God has made a way for us to enter the Most Holy Place, through the curtain of Christ’s broken body.
CONGREGATION: Therefore, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
And let us consider how to motivate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the day drawing near.
Sharing Time
(have everyone share one thing that struck them from the sermon)
Closing Meditation
Luke 2:29-32 (ESV)
LEADER: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
PEOPLE: For my eyes have seen your salvation
LEADER: That you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
PEOPLE: A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
LEADER: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
PEOPLE: For my eyes have seen your salvation
LEADER: That you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
PEOPLE: A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
Benediction
(The leader or individual should read this aloud relishing in the confident assertion that Christ has conquered.)
Luke 12:29-32
LEADER: Do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
PEOPLE: Amen!
Luke 12:29-32
LEADER: Do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
PEOPLE: Amen!
Worshipping God through Giving
God has called us to be generous. He has entrusted this earth and all that is in it to us, but it is, ultimately, His! The Father gave what was most precious to Him, His own Son, in order to die for our sins. He has given to us abundantly beyond all that we could possibly ask or imagine! He is a benevolent and generous Giver! So, we give.
First, we want to remind you to continue your regular giving to CRC. This supports the ongoing work and ministry here in the Upper Valley and around the world through our missions support. Second, please consider giving to our Benevolence Fund, which supports local community care, both inside and outside the church. This is vitally important right now! As we see needs sprouting up around the community, we want to be positioned to extend a loving hand of support to those in need.
Giving Numbers
Budgeted Giving YTD: $617,100
Actual Giving to Date: $530,196
Difference: (-$86,904)
Missions Giving YTD: $112,266
updated as of 11/30
First, we want to remind you to continue your regular giving to CRC. This supports the ongoing work and ministry here in the Upper Valley and around the world through our missions support. Second, please consider giving to our Benevolence Fund, which supports local community care, both inside and outside the church. This is vitally important right now! As we see needs sprouting up around the community, we want to be positioned to extend a loving hand of support to those in need.
Giving Numbers
Budgeted Giving YTD: $617,100
Actual Giving to Date: $530,196
Difference: (-$86,904)
Missions Giving YTD: $112,266
updated as of 11/30