Worship for January 9, 2022: Baptism of the Lord

THE GATHERING         

* Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music: Hymn #488 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “Winter Frolic” by Mary K. Sallee         

* Call to Worship 

The voice of God resounds upon the water.

The Spirit of the Lord hovers over the stream.

The Son of God is named, “Beloved.”

And all who worship shout out, “Glory!”

Ascribe to the Lord majesty and strength.

Let us worship God in holy splendor.

Let us pray together: 

* Prayer of the Day    

Holy God, when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan the heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and your voice affirmed your love in Jesus
for the healing of the human race and all creation. By water and word you lovingly invite us into this same life-giving mission. May your Spirit,
moving like a stream of water flowing from its source, work in us this day to realize your vision
of a world made new in Christ,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

* Hymn of Praise #375 “Shall We Gather at the River”

* Invitation to Healing

God loves us and calls us each by name.  Knowing we are eternally forgiven and infinitely loved, let us boldly confess our sins before God.

* Prayer of Wholeness

We are precious in your sight, yet we often forget that we are your beloved. We confess that our love is fickle and inconstant. We follow selfish goals
and deny that our way of life harms others and hurts your world. Help us to live into our baptisms, to trust that all we need is in you, for you have marked us as your own, loving us without limit. Create in us a clean heart, strengthen our resolve, reconcile us one to another, and bless us with your peace.

                                                         Please continue in silent prayer

* Kyrie #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”  

* Assurance of God’s Presence and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say:

Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another; the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

And also with you!

Please share a sign of peace with those worshiping with you.

* Sung Response Hymn #583 “Glory to God” 2x

Celebrating Joys & Where We Have Seen God at Work

Sung Response Hymn #654 “In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful”

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

Glorious God, when Jesus was baptized for your healing mission the heavens opened in a flash of glory as vision and voice blazed upon the waters. May your Spirit so burn in us that we hear your word translated into deed and follow Jesus in paths of justice, right relationship, and peace.  Amen.

Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 29 pp. 680-681

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Children’s Moment

Epistle Reading: Acts 8:14-17 p. 169

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 pp. 82-83

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Reflection: TL 1-9-2022 YC E1 A New Baptism ~ Pastor Scott Crane

Please spend several moments in silent reflection

RESPONSE TO THE WORD 

* Hymn of Response #490 “Wash, O God, Your Sons and Daughters”

* Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.08

This we believe: In Jesus of Nazareth, true humanity was realized once for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows.  He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men and women. But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people.  His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death. He gave himself freely, and for it was crucified, died, and was buried.  God raised him up from the dead. He is our Messiah and Lord.

Intercessory Prayers of the People

Call and response: “Lord in your mercy,” “Hear our prayers.”

Minute for Mission

Invitation to Present our Tithes and Offerings

As people who have passed through the waters of baptism, let us make our grateful offering to God our Redeemer.

Offertory: “Allemande“ by Carl Czerny

* Doxology Hymn #606 (with text below)

Praise, God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all creatures here below;

Praise Holy Spirit evermore;

Praise Triune God whom we adore.  Amen.

* Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication

O God, at his baptism, you acknowledged Jesus as your beloved Son, and through him you opened to us a way to become your children by grace. May these gifts we return to you be a sign of our dedication to live as your faithful daughters and sons, born in the waters of baptism by the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

SENDING

* Closing Hymn #482 “Baptized in Water”

* Charge

We have been with Jesus to the River of Jordan, river of life, river of promise. Go forth in the joy of life, to live as children of promise.

* Benediction

* Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal. Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments and conversation after worship.

Questions for Reflection

How may I live in the power of the Holy Spirit this day?

What in my life is like chaff that the Holy Spirit burns away in order for me to live as a free and faithful child of God?

Household Prayer: Morning

Loving God,
we begin this new day in the sure knowledge
that you have claimed us as your children.
In all that we do,
keep us mindful of actions that are pleasing in your sight. In all that we say,
make us attentive to the witness we give to your love. Let our lives be an example to all whom we encounter, living as daughters and sons of God
who follow in the path of Jesus,
our Lord and our brother. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

As evening comes and we end the labors of this day,
we thank you, Lord Jesus, that you have been our companion.
If we have disregarded your fellowship, forgive us.
Where we have strayed from your path, correct us.
Let us rest this evening as children of God,
sheltered in the love of those who belong to your holy family of grace. Amen.

A Snow Haiku

Desolate? Not so!

Such whiteness is but canvas

For a brand new day.

~ stc