To watch via Twitch
https://twitch.tv/crescentfortrougelive
To watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_yu6hzsG1yoisFBHvGm5A?view_as=subscriber
To watch on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cfruc/
If you would like to join our pre-service Zoom conversation at 10:00 am go to link below. Contact Marc for a passcode please. marc.cfruc@mymts.net
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82191407687?pwd=TXpuQmI4Z2JLNGVEUnprVVNxL0xoZz09
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES—The Season of ADVENT 10:00 a.M.
We are continuing to collect non-perishable food stuffs for our 1JustCity partners.
December 7, 2025 – The Second Sunday Of Advent – “When We’re Running Out Of Hope, God Is At Work” Matthew 11:1-11 (John the Baptist is running out of hope and reaches out to Jesus) Isaiah 43:19-21 (“I am about to do a new thing”) John the Baptist sends word to Jesus from his prison cell, asking, “Are you the one?” John has spent his entire life preparing the way for Jesus, but from his prison cell, now certainly facing death, the future looks grim. Like John, even
the most confident of us wonder from time to time: Is all this work worth it? Does anything I do matter? Am I on the right track? We can’t always see the fruits of our labor, yet God is at work anyway. How might we, like Jesus and Isaiah, point to the places where God is at work in our world? How might we keep hope alive?
December 14. 2025 – The Third Sunday Of Advent – “Even In Our Fear, We Are Called Forward” Luke 1:26-39 (The angel visits Mary); Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Jeremiah is called as a prophet) Sometimes saying “yes” to God’s call fills us with fear. We fear, just like Mary and Jeremiah, that we aren’t enough. That we’ll be alone. That no one will listen. And yet,
God calls us forward, inviting us to live fully into who we are created to be and promising to be with us as we move
forward through our fear, every step of the way. Too often we talk about bravery and courage in terms of hero narratives or big actions, but every day presents many moments to practice small, quiet acts of courage. May we say “yes” to God, even when our knees shake and our voices tremble.
December 21, 2025 – The Fourth Sunday Of Advent – “When You’re Afraid, Give Me Your Hand” Matthew 1:18-25 (Joseph’s dream); Isaiah 41:5-10 “Give me your hand” might be counter to how we usually respond to fear, but what if fear can result in connection instead of isolation? Joseph sets aside his fear of rejection and shame in order to stand in solidarity with Mary, shielding her from harm. Their bond makes them each stronger. We don’t live out our callings in
isolation—our flourishing depends on each person stepping into their calling despite their fear. How can we offer support to one another? Where can we reach out when fear makes us feel isolated? Can we use our power and privilege to stand in solidarity with people whose lives are at risk?
December 21, 2025 – “Longest Night Service” – an hour for quiet reflection featuring readings, poetry and music; Crescent Fort Rouge; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
December 24, 2025 – Christmas Eve – “Good News Is Louder Than Fear” Luke 2:1-20 The Christmas season can be filled with saccharine images of Mary, meek and mild, with a quiet, sleepy Jesus in her arms. But the host of angels shouts to
the skies, “Glory to God in the highest!” In a world that weaponizes fear, where algorithms decide what gets weight, what gets circulated, and what takes up space, let us be disruptive with our joy. Let us be loud and unruly, amplifying the good news like the shepherds running into the streets of Bethlehem. In a world where good news never feels loud enough to drown out fear, let us shout with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!”
- 4:00 p.m. Interactive Family Service at Crescent Fort Rouge
- 6:30 p.m. All Ages service of Lessons & Carols at Harrow
- 8:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols service featuring the CFRUC choir at Crescent Fort Rouge
December 28, 2025 – First Sunday After Christmas – “Let Fear Fuel A Fire For Justice” Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (TheHoly family flees to Egypt, then returns to Galilee once it’s safe) The holy family fears for their safety and for their child’s life, like so many refugees around the world. Their valid fears motivate them to move—and so they seek refuge in Egypt until it is safe for them to return home. Instead of trying to push fear away, what if we used it as fuel? What if we
harnessed that incredible source of energy for good, fighting for a world where no one fears for their safety? Utilizing our fear wisely not only helps others; taking concrete action also interrupts the fear that so easily paralyzes us. The work helps others, but the act of putting our fear to work changes us, too.
January 4, 2026 – Epiphany Sunday – “Fear Doesn’t Stop Us” Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18 (The magi visit Christ; Herod responds with the massacre of the innocents) As we end the series, Herod is still in power. Christ is born, but it feels as if the world has not changed. The temptation to give up is strong, especially in the face of violence. But the magi don’t let Herod’s fear-driven demands stop them from honoring the newborn Christ or returning home by a different way. They model for us what it looks like to be led by hope, moving through fear without letting it paralyze you. As a new year begins, we proclaim: our journey continues, and fear won’t have the last word.
A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK—Moderator’s Advent Message 2025—”The Complicated Joy of Advent”
Here we are just weeks away from Christmas. The stores are full, the music plays, concerts, cookies, and twinkling lights try to lift our spirits. But the world feels heavy: heartbreaking headlines, personal losses, full highways, and empty bank accounts. Advent is a complicated season.
Mary and Elizabeth knew something about that. Two women, two miracles, two bold yeses to God’s call. But let’s be honest, their stories weren’t all sunshine and rainbow unicorn farts. Elizabeth stayed in seclusion for five months. Mary left Galilee maybe to escape the whispers, the stares. Even good news can feel complicated. Joy and fear, hope and weariness, they often show up together.
You know, that’s what I love about Advent. There’s room for all our feelings here. And then—the simple miracle of connection. Mary shows up. Elizabeth’s baby leaps and she cries out in a blessing. And suddenly they know they are not alone. God has given them each other. Their joy multiplies.
So how do we get in the spirit of the season in a world of pain and injustice? We start with connection. Deep spirituality reminds us God is with us. Bold discipleship calls us to say yes even when it’s hard. Daring justice invites us to make space for others, to share joy, to bear burdens, to build hope.
Whatever you’re feeling this Advent—joy, grief, exhaustion, hope—know this. You are not alone. God is growing a miracle in you and in me. Thanks be to God.
What else happens weekly?
Our virtual prayer and spirituality group, “Explorations” occurs on Wednesdays by Zoom. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Marc at marc.cfruc@mymts.net or 204-461-1767
Choir Rehearsal — is every Friday at 10 am. New members are welcome. If you are interested in singing with our choir, even occasionally, and Friday morning rehearsals present a barrier, other arrangements are possible. Contact Michael Cutler at organmike@gmail.com for more information.
Our Faithful Readers Book Discussion Group is open to everyone, and we usually meet the last Wednesday of the month via Zoom, except for the movies and our windup dinner. If you are interested, please contact the office for the Link. Pick up a Bookmark at Harrow for times, etc.
What is Spirituality?
“Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than [one]self, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.
“Spirituality means knowing that our lives have significance in a context beyond a mundane everyday existence at the level of biological needs that drive selfishness and aggression. It means knowing that we are a significant part of a purposeful unfolding of Life in our universe.
“Spirituality involves exploring certain universal themes – love, compassion, altruism, life after death, wisdom and truth, with the knowledge that some people such as saints or enlightened individuals have achieved and manifested higher levels of development than the ordinary person. Aspiring to manifest the attributes of such inspirational examples often becomes an important part of the journey through life for spiritually inclined people.”
What happens at Sunday morning Worship? Lots!
Sunday morning worship at Crescent Fort Rouge generally follows a predictable pattern of gathering in God’s name; hearing and reflecting on the intersection between the ancient faith story and the story of our own lives and time; responding to what has been heard; and going out with a commission to be actively engaged in the world.
Our worship respects the rich heritage and traditions of the Christian faith, while holding up a progressive and contemporary theology. Our worship is designed to actively engage all of the senses, and welcome the participation of all. We come together around the Lord’s Table through the sacrament of communion six or seven times a year.
Music is an integral part of our worship life, and we offer music in a wide range of styles and genres. Worship allows us to enact through ritual, story-telling, music and prayer our core belief in a God of peace, justice, compassion, healing and hope who invites us to practice the same things.
Why Worship? Worship reminds us of who we are and whose we are. Worship helps reinforce a rhythm for our lives. Worship offers a chance to connect with others and to feel that connection and engagement. Friendships are formed!
Occasional Services
In addition to regular Sunday morning worship, we also offer worship experiences at other times to mark special days or occasions. These include such things as Pet Blessings, Blue Christmas services, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Services for Life Transitions
CFRUC provides opportunities to recognize significant life passages with ritual and celebration such as Baptism, Confirmation, Weddings and Funerals.
Services to Recognize Other Life Transitions
We also work with individuals to create meaningful rituals to mark significant life passages such as moving to a new home, divorce, miscarriage, adopting a child, or seeking healing after trauma or violence.
Please contact our minister if you would like to explore some of the possibilities. cfruc@mymts.net
Daily Prayer Resources
In many faith traditions, it is customary to pray at specific times of day. The discipline of morning prayer allows one to start a day grounded in God, and the intention to be mindful of God’s presence in all that unfolds.
Prayer of Examen
The prayer of examen, is a traditional form of “end of day prayer” which invites reflection on the day that is past, an expression of gratitude for what has been experienced, and an opportunity to explore in greater depth God’s presence in our lives. Our friends at The Work of The People https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/ have created a contemporary expression of this ancient form of prayer. For a version of the Examen, please click here.
Frederick Buechner
www.frederickbuechner.com
The Center for Contemplation and Action
cac.org
Sacredise
Sacredise.com
One time tested way of nurturing the spirit is to maintain the disciple of keeping a journal. During this time of self-isolation we invite you to join others in a 28 day journaling challenge. Click here for a list of daily prompts. Self-Isolation Challenge
Looking for more intentional study?
A variety of online programs and webinars are available through:
The Abbey of the Arts
https://abbeyofthearts.com/
The United Church of Canada
https://www.united-church.ca/
We encourage you to contact Crescent Fort Rouge and receive our weekly newsletter which offers many opportunities. cfruc@mymts.net
Looking for an experience on Sunday for children (ages 3 to 12)?
Children are encouraged to begin their Sunday morning church experience with the gathered community in worship. This time with adults includes a theme conversation with one of the ministers and introduces children to the concept of worship.
Following this time, the children participate in age appropriate activities designed to introduce them to faithful living. We make use of a variety of teaching activities: drama, music, cooking, art, science, games and more. Parents and guardians of very young children are welcome to attend this program with their young ones until the children feel comfortable enough to attend the class on their own.
Looking for a few resources for children?
25 Easy Sunday School Crafts
https://www.signupgenius.com/church/sunday-school-crafts.cfm
49 Outstanding Christian Craft Ideas for Kids
https://wehavekids.com/education/all-christian-crafts