PIPESTONE
CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
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PIPESTONE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
P.O. Box 428
Pipestone, MN 56164
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March 23, 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 . . .
Welcome
Call to Worship: Psalm 100
*God’s Blessing
*Mutual Greetings
*Opening Hymn #241 (PH) "This Is the Day"
*Profession of Faith: Unison Reading of The Apostles Creed, PH. p. 813.
*Hymn of Praise: #267 (PH) "And Can It Be"
TO BOW ON OUR KNEES BEFORE HIM . . .
Reading of God’s Law: 1 John 2:3-17
Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon: 1 John 2:1-2
TO LIFT OUR EYES TO HIM . . .
Pastoral Prayer
Offering for Resonate Global (place offering in bags in narthex)
*Preparatory Hymn: #73 (vs. 1-4) "God Loves All The Righteous"
TO OPEN OUR HEARTS TO HIS WORD
Scripture: Psalm 73
Pastor: This is the Word of God for the People of God
Congregation: Thanks be To God
Prayer for Illumination
Sermon: Why Be A Christian?
1. What I saw in the world (1-14)
a. I saw the prosperity of the righteous (2-5)
b. I saw the proud go unpunished (6-12)
c. I saw the poverty of the righteous (13-14)
2. What I saw in the sanctuary (15-28)
a. I saw the destiny of the wicked (18-20)
b. I saw the foolishness of unbelief (21-22)
c. I saw what I possess in God (23-26)
*Closing Hymn #73 (PH) (vs. 4-8) "God Loves All the Righteous"
. . . AND TO DEPART WITH HIS BLESSING!
*God's Parting Blessing
*Doxology: #561 (PH) vs. 4-5 "Rejoice, O Pure in Heart"
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Postlude
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ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR March 23, 2025
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TODAY 9:00 AM MORNING WORSHIP
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WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP Week 6 - Jesus
Congregational Announcements
A special welcome is extended to all who worship with us today. In these final weeks of Lent, may the cross of Christ bring to mind these words of the Psalmist, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered”. Psalm 32.1
Serving coffee today: Von
Next Sunday: Marie
Offering today: Resonate Global
Next Sunday: Pipestone Food Shelf
Remember Gerdena Van Eck in your prayers. This last week she fell and had surgery to repair a broken femur. She is recovering at Avera hospital in Sioux Falls.
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 and Gerdena Van Eck in Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Missionaries
Cornerstone Prison Ministries – Rev. Scott Van Voorst
Megan DeRuyter (Youth with a Mission) Boulder Creek, CA.
Sosthene and Kara Maletoungou in Africa
Last week’s trivia question: What did Jacob choose for his 14 years service to Laban?
All the non-white animals from Laban’s livestock (Genesis 30:32)
Today’s trivia question: Who was the first female leader of Israel?
Memory Verse
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psalm 34:19
Community News
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Peter Pan – coming to a gym near you! SWC 7th-12th grade drama students are working hard on their musical. It is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. Peter Pan is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. Tickets are on sale for the show on April 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 pm or tickets will be available at the door on those evenings also.
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We're excited to invite you to the Black & Gold Banquet, an evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and connection on Saturday, April 12 at the SWC Elementary Gymnasium. Social Hour begins at 5:45; followied by dinner at 6:15 pm. The mouthwatering dinner features fresh salad, beef tips, baked potatoes, glazed carrots, buns, and refreshments. After dinner, prepare for some laughs as we welcome our special guest, Slap Happy Comedy, for an unforgettable comedy performance that will keep everyone in stitches!This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meaningful evening with friends and community while supporting the Faith Fund at Southwest MN Christian. We hope you can join us for a night of fun, food, and giving! RSVP BY MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025 by contacting the high school office at 507-442-4471 or email astoel@swcschools.org. We can’t wait to see you there!
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HOST & HOSTESS WANTED! We are looking for hosts and hostesses for the Black & Gold Banquet! How to Participate: simply fill a table of 8 guests or host a table that is already filled, provide an optional centerpiece for your table, and cater your table with provided food and drinks the night of the event. This is a great opportunity to showcase your hosting skills and be part of a fun and memorable event supporting the Faith Fund at Southwest MN Christian High School. Let us know if you're interested or have any questions! RSVP's due by Monday, March 31. Call the High School office at 507-442-4471 or email Ashley at astoel@swcschools.org.
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April 13, 2:30 pm: Join us for the Annual Music Festival at First CRC of Edgerton. Southwest Christian’s choirs, along with individual and choral groups from area churches, will present selections during this afternoon of praise. Members of the audience will be invited to join the mass choir for the Hallelujah Chorus. An offering will be collected for Southwest Christian High School (sponsored as a fundraiser by Circle #12).
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Avera@Home (Hospice House) will be hosting a benefit at the Pipestone Country Club Saturday, March 29, social hour at 5:00 PM – dinner begins at 6:00. See details on poster on bulletin board by kitchen.
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