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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

These beginning verses of Isaiah chapter 9 will make an appearance in most of our churches in the coming weeks and months. The prophet’s words of promise and hope, in glad rejoicing, in breaking the chains of injustice and finally the promise of our salvation serve as an anchor point as we travel as God’s people through the darkness and towards God’s glorious light. As we approach the Advent and Christmas season, we recognize both the joy and the exhaustion of being in ministry and pray that Emmanuel will once again show himself to be “God with us” as we prepare, plan and preach. For those who feel the darkness in a particular way this busy season, we pray that you would truly experience God to be your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

—Pastor Katie Roelofs

As always know that you remain in our prayers. If there is something specific we can pray for or if there is another way we can support you please email worship@crcna.org

Worship Ministries Staff
Rev. Joyce Borger
Pastor Katie Roelofs
Pastor Jeremy Simpson
Mrs. Laura Meyering

What’s happening in Worship Ministries

Advent Devotionals

Worship Ministries is hosting 10-15 minute long devotionals on Isaiah 9 during the Advent season. Beginning Monday, November 29, visit the CRC Worship Ministries Facebook page (@crcworshipministries) at 10:00 AM EST for a time of worship and prayer led by various pastors and worship leaders in the CRCNA. They will premiere live but the recording will be available later on the page as well. Consider joining this devotional time as we once again celebrate the birth of our Savior and King. More information to come!

January 2 Sermon and Worship Service Package

Worship Ministries is teaming up with Covenant CRC in Sioux Center, Iowa, to provide a January 2, 2022 package, which will include a recorded video sermon by Rev. Dr. Joel Kok as well as a fully scripted liturgy by Worship Director, Rebecca DeVries. The full package will be available for preview in the beginning of December. For more information, please visit this page or contact Worship Ministries (worship@crcna.org)

Tuesday Roundtable Discussions

Join us for a few more weeks of Roundtable discussions before we go on an extended break for the holidays. In the meantime, please take 5 minutes to fill out the following survey to help us as we reassess timing and content moving forward. We want these to be useful for as many people as possible but need your feedback!

  • 11/9: All things Advent/Christmas. This will be a special roundtable specifically focused on planning for Christmas. Many might be close to done, some will just be getting going. Join in for a planning session!

  • 11/16: All things Epiphany. Since we'll be taking the month of December off, let's have a conversation about the season of Epiphany! Come with your themes and some ideas to share and we'll do some early planning for the new year!

Loving God and Neighbors

Here is a conversation including Worship Ministries director, Joyce Borger, hosted by LaGrave CRC in Grand Rapids. It's a two part conversation that you can find in the YouTube link below. This would be a great opportunity for adult education discussion in your church. Check it out!

Worship Resources

Advent

Advent is only a few weeks away. If you haven’t already planned, peruse some ideas in our resource list.

Christmas

Here are some Christmas specific resources including music, preaching and more.

Epiphany

Epiphany Sunday is January 9. Start thinking ahead and planning for this season with these resources.

Worship Ministries Staff Book Review

by Bob Sorge

I’m often asked worship related questions. Recently, two people, running different teams asked me for a list of essential things every worship leader should know. Now there are some things that should go without saying: relationship with God, following the Spirit, being able to sing and play in tune, submission to leaders. But there are other things that separate good leaders from great leaders. I responded to both of them and said you need to read “Secrets of the Secret Place” by Bob Sorge. Bob’s testimony of walking through insurmountable odds due to a voice box injury left him helpless, but realizing he could still have a deep faith in the midst of trauma, and pain, has produced amazing and fruitful ministry. This book is very practical and is spiritually renewing for anyone who has an interest in developing tools to take their personal worship lifestyle to the next level. Each page is full of truths about God and how we can strive for more quality time with God. It has changed my view on multiple spiritual disciplines and given me a better motivation for them. God is doing a new thing and if you’ve found yourself in a space of struggling to connect spiritually, this book is a great resource to explore spiritual renewal.

—Pastor Jeremy Simpson

Upcoming Opportunities

  • NEW Calendar: In our reorganization of resources, we created a master calendar for special Sundays, holidays and other important liturgical dates. Consider using this as you plan your next few months of worship!

  • Pastor Church Resources along with Financial Shalom are offering Pastor Restoration Grants to give pastors a chance to take a step back from ministry after the strain of the last two years and receive some refreshment and spiritual care. See this Network post for more information.

  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching recently launched a new website that includes worship resources and other helpful aids for weekly worship planning, seasonal planning and preaching.

  • Worshiping Communities Grants available! The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship offers grants for congregations, parishes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other worshiping communities in North America. Click this link for more information.  

  • The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s annual Symposium on Worship begins January 31 and goes through February 4, 2022. The conference, which will be largely virtual, will be offering worship services, learning opportunities and global conversations. Check out their website to register and for more information.  

  • Save the date: Inspire 2022 will be taking place at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park (a suburb of Chicago, Illinois) on August 4-6, 2022. Registration will open January 2022


We are grateful for the ministry shares that make all of this possible along with the support of generous donors. Help this ministry continue its work by donating now.
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