PIPESTONE
CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
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PIPESTONE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
P.O. Box 428
Pipestone, MN 56164
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December 21, 2025
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We wish to welcome all of you as we have gathered to worship the LORD together. May we bring praise to our heavenly Father, bow before the name of Jesus, and be united together through the bond of the Holy Spirit! In this order of worship that follows, please note that the words printed in bold are ones that the congregation is asked to respond with. Also, when an asterisk (*) appears, the congregation is asked to stand, if they are able.
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THE LORD GATHERS US . . .
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Welcome
Call to Worship: Zeph. 3:17
Advent Reading & Candle Lighting: Joy – Todd & Sheri Tinklenberg
*God’s Blessing
*Mutual Greetings
*Opening Hymn: “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (Lyric Video)
John W. Work Jr. Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain CCLI License # 58350
Refrain
Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev'rywhere
Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born
1. While shepherds kept their watching O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light
Refrain
2. The shepherds feared and trembled when lo above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed the Savior's birth
Refrain
3. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn
Refrain (Sing twice)
*Opening Response: Isaiah 41:8-13
"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
"All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
*Hymn of Response: #355 (PH) “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
TO BOW ON OUR KNEES BEFORE HIM . . .
Reading of God’s Law: Phil. 4:4-7
Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon: Zephaniah 3:14-18
TO LIFT OUR EYES TO HIM . . .
Pastoral Prayer
Offering for Christian School Tuition (place offering in bags in narthex)
*Preparatory Hymn: #346 (PH) “Once in Royal David’s City”
TO OPEN OUR HEARTS TO HIS WORD
Scripture: Isaiah 41:7-20, Ps. 126, Luke 1:46-55 p. 1122, 967, 1589
Pastor: This is the Word of God for the People of God
Congregation: Thanks be To God
Prayer for Illumination
Sermon: From Sorrow to Joy
...AND TO DEPART WITH HIS BLESSING!
* Closing Hymn: #337 (PH) “Joy to the World”
*God's Parting Blessing: Romans 15:13
*Doxology: #353 (PH) “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”
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Postlude
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ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR December 21, 2025
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TODAY 9:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE
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THURSDAY 9:00 AM CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE – offering will be for Bethesda Christian Counseling.
Congregational Announcements
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We warm welcome all who are worshiping with us today. In this Advent season, as we come closer to the day of nativity, we join Christians all over the world in our joyful preparation.
Coffee today: Von
Next Sunday: Jo
Offering today: Christian School Tuition
Christmas Day: Bethesda Christian Counseling
Offering next Sunday: Cornerstone Ministry – Sioux Falls
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Remember in prayer those of our congregation who are unable to attend our service. Arlo Bolt and Cliff Mulder at Good Samaritan, Adrian Klein and Verna Van Bockel at Ridgeview, Etta Mae Gunnink at Edgebrook Apartments.
We express our Christian sympathy to Larry and Jo De Jongh in the loss of Jo’s brother's wife, Sue Fey-Uilk. Her funeral was yesterday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone.
Today immediately after our worship service (in the Fellowship Hall), Megan DeRuyter will give a report on her work with "Youth with a Mission"
Happy Birthday to Harold Veltkamp on his 86th Friday, December 26.
Please make any changes to phone numbers, names, addresses for the 2026 directory. A hard copy is on the table in the Fellowship Hall.
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Missionaries
Cornerstone Prison Ministries – Rev. Scott Van Voorst
Megan DeRuyter (Youth with a Mission) Boulder Creek, CA.
Sosthene and Kara Maletoungou in Africa
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Last week’s trivia question: In what town did Jesus perform his first miracle?
Cana (John 2:1-11)
Today’s trivia question: Which Old Testament prophet said that at the time of the end, “Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased.”?
Memory Verse
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21
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Community Announcements
ReFrame Ministries
Kids Corner Devotions: Advent at Home: Away in a Manger - Check out this week’s kids’ devotion, “Advent at Home: Away in the Manger” at www.kidscorner.net. Jesus knows what it feels like to be human, just like you. This means He understands when you’re tired, hurt, or having a hard day. He loves you so much and always knows how to comfort and care for you! Explore all the great content at kidscorner.net, including the Kids Corner Christmas Collection of devotions, Bible stories, crafts, and activities.
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Groundwork: The Light of the World Among Us - Together, let’s explore the moment Isaiah’s anticipation of light turns to the reality of the light of the world among us. Join Groundwork as we study Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-9, and Revelation 22:5 to discuss Jesus Christ’s birth, life, and the hope he brings, uncovering the profound meaning of Christ’s light shining in our world and how we live as children of light. GroundworkOnline.com and subscribe to Groundwork's weekly emails for future episodes.
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Thrive Faith Formation Tip - It’s almost Christmas Day! How many different ways can you think of to say “Merry Christmas!” to people who know the story of Christmas and to people who don’t know the story? And how might you say “Merry Christmas!” to God this week in a way that reflects love back to our Creator? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
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World Renew
Celebrating the Greatest Gift - As we exchange gifts at Christmas, we celebrate Jesus, God’s great gift to us. Will you add a child or family living in poverty to your Christmas giving today? Your donation to World Renew helps people around the world improve their lives and find home in their heart for Jesus. Please give generously in today’s offering for World Renew or online at worldrenew.net/gifts
Help Families Affected by the Pacific Northwest Flooding - Beginning December 8, heavy nonstop rains have led to record flooding in western and central parts of Washington state, killing at least one person and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate due to profound damage to homes and communities. World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) is preparing a response to help flood survivors, including in communities already recovering from severe flooding in 2021. Please join us in prayer and donate to help flood survivors at worldrenew.net/northwest, by calling 1-800-552-7972, or by mailing a check made out to World Renew, with "Pacific Northwest Floods 2025" in the memo line, to: World Renew, 8970 Byron Commerce Dr SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.
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