When life takes an unexpected turn, it can feel like everything is disrupted. In this Christmas sermon, we look at the stories of Mary and Elizabeth and see how God worked in the midst of confusing timing and social challenges. We're reminded that God's timing is perfect, and He is with us in all of life's twists and turns. Elizabeth's words of blessing encouraged Mary during a difficult situation. Their joy points us to the true reason for the season - the miracle of Jesus coming as a baby to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Order of Worship – December 3rd
Introduction Video – “Praise His Name Call to Worship”
Opening Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Welcome & Call to Worship: Psalm 65: 1-4
Song: God With Us
Song: Emmanuel
Advent Candle Lighting – Verblaauw Family
Mutual Greeting (252 Kids Dismissed to Class)
Announcements
Congregational Prayer
Offertory – Glory (Let There Be Peace)
Christmas Story – “Joy To The World (Mary & Elizabeth)”
Message: “Joy Meets “the Curse” - Rev. Samuel Sutter
Closing Song: Joy To The World
Benediction
Doxology: Joy To The World
After the worship service concludes, all are welcome to join us in the church Lobby for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Youth (6th-10th grade) will be meeting in the classroom under the stairs for Catechism class.
This Week:
- Monday, 4th – 7pm Women’s Stitch or Chat
- Tuesday, 5th – 10am Coffee Break in Youth Building (Childcare Available!)
- Tuesday, 5th – 7pm Gym Night
- Wednesday, 6th – 7pm Congregational Meeting in Church Sanctuary
- Friday, 8th – 7pm Warwick Valley Chorale Performance
- Friday, 8th – 6:30pm Spanish Bible Study
- Saturday, 9th – 9am Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry
Upcoming Events:
- December 12th – 7pm GEMS & Cadets (Kid’s Club)
- December 13th – 7pm Prayer Meeting (Elder’s to Follow)
- December 14th – 7:30pm Youth Group (Grades 7-12)
- December 17th – 7pm “Calm & Bright: Carols and Candlelight”
- December 25th – 9:30am Christmas Service with Rev. Gilbert Varela
Gym Night: Join us for some healthy competition on Tuesday, December 5th at 7pm for a Gym Night in the Goshen Christian Preschool Gym. All ages welcome! Get some exercise, make some friends, have some fun!
Warwick Valley Chorale will be hosting their 83rd Annual Holiday Concert on December 8th at 7pm in the Goshen CRC sanctuary. Featuring John Rutter’s Magnificat and Traditional Holiday Favorites composed by Ron DeFesi with Gail Johnson as accompanist. Come enjoy an evening of music!
“Calm & Bright: Carols and Candlelight,” an evening to gather together for an evening of fellowship and Christmas Carols. We're excited to gather together on Sunday, December 17th at 7pm. Feel free to bring a tray of your favorite Christmas cookies for all to enjoy! Any questions, please see Adam Vitoulis.
We are happy to announce that the GEMS Post Office is open for sorting and passing out your Christmas cards to the members of our congregation. Please stop by the church lobby to drop off cards and check your mailbox. A donation to the GEMS, in lieu of postage is gladly accepted. Thank you for your continued support!
Winter Clothing Drive: You can be a blessing to fellow members and families on our campus when you donate new or gently-used winter clothing and coats for men, women & children. There is a special need for cold weather clothing! A box has been placed in the Narthex for any donations. We ask that all coats arrive clean, with all working buttons and zippers.
Attention all members: There will be a Congregational Meeting on December 6th at 7pm to discuss and vote on the 2024 budget along with some other proposals from council (solar, parking lot, policy change). Copies of the proposed budget can be found on the bulletin board in the back. We hope to see everyone there.
December Second Offering Schedule:
10 – Spanish Church Plant, 17 – Faith Promise, 24- Benevolence
RIGHT NOW MEDIA: Our church has access to an extensive, new video library called RightNow Media! Sign up today for FREE access to thousands of video resources to help you with parenting, marriage, discipleship and more. It includes content for all ages and stages of life, and all of your family members are invited to set up their own accounts as well. Sign up for free at www.Goshen.Church/RNMedia
Nursery Staff:
December 3rd Robin Falkena & Lauren Weber
December 10th Kim DeVries & Taylor DiMartino
December 17th Christine LaFrance & Rebecca Finnegan
December 24th Paige Matuszewski & Maddie Van Pelt
Coffee Hour:
December 3rd David & Morgan Amels
December 10th Chuck & Jo Rowe
December 17th Rusty & Amanda Lundgren
December 24th Rudy & Maria Vortsel