A Word of Hope
The novel coronavirus pandemic has already drastically changed the way we live and prompted a fearful approach to life. While this is a time of uncertainty and new social practices, we can be encouraged by the hope we have in Christ – that God has loved us, even at the cost of the life of his own son, and holds out a sure hope for us that transcends all our troubles: redemption. In Christ, he forgives our sins and secures the resurrection of our bodies, calling us to a future we can scarcely imagine. We can live in hope, rather than fear, and so serve one another.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1–4 ESV)
Meetings Suspended
We will not be gathering from March 15th until it is safe to do so. During this time, all CRC gatherings (youth group, community group, bible studies, etc.) will not meet, or will move to an online platform. In light of this, we are working on new ways to connect with God’s Word and with one another.
Sunday Morning
On Saturday, we will send an email which will include a guide for worship at home. Our prayer for you and your families is that you had a fruitful time gathered at home last Sunday and will again this Sunday! To access the most recent home worship guide, click here.
Caring for One Another
As this new pattern of social distancing and isolation unfolds, I encourage you all the more to connect with one another. If you are struggling, connect with your Community Group or get in touch with the pastor. Encourage one another, pray for each other. You can connect on Zoom or other online video platforms, or else call, text, and email each other. As needs arise, we want to be in touch so that we can continue to care for one another.
Caring for Our Neighbors
Many of you have expressed a desire to care for our community in this time; this is encouraging, as we should be eager to do so! Many needs will emerge in the coming days, and at present, everyone is still trying to figure out wise and effective ways to help.
DHMC is anticipating future needs and “requests donations of masks, face shields, isolation gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizer.” If you have any of these things at home or are connected with an organization that may have these items available, please consider donating. The hospital has also shared instructions for homemade face masks. See the DHMC Mask Making Instructions for instructions and drop off information. We have a box outside the church office as another drop off option for any donations.
Please pray for the many health care professionals in our church family as they face increased responsibilities, exposure, and stress. Pray for the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts as they bear these burdens and walk alongside their colleagues and patients.
If you have questions or would like to share other personal or community needs, please continue to contact
Giving Reminder
As we are not meeting routinely on Sunday morning, we also wanted to take a moment to remind you to give. At a time when we see people hoarding – trying to protect and preserve themselves – God has called us to instead 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 Christ Redeemer Church. 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. Give here.
Core Value #9: Christ Causes Us to Look Outwardly
In this strange and tumultuous time, let us refresh ourselves on our foundational commitments as a church!
We value displaying the beauty of the gospel, both individually and corporately.
Evangelism is not simply one thing we do, but it permeates everything we do. It is who we are. We treat non-Christians with respect, remembering what it is like not to believe. We treat non-Christians with hope, remembering what a grace-miracle our own faith is. We consider virtually every public event – video conferencing too – to be something we do “before the nations” (Psalm 67), and we expect to be “overheard” by many friends who do not believe or who don’t know what they believe. We seek not only to equip and motivate every member into an evangelistic life-style but also corporately to display the gospel in the way we live together before the watching world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Last Updated 4/2/2020
