FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Baptism of the Lord
January 12, 2025
PRELUDE Pastorale, Gilbert Martin
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
-CE/FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE meets TODAY after worship service.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at the Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the center meeting room.
-SISTERHOOD will be meeting Thursday, Jan. 16 at 11:30 AM at the First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will be meeting Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 PM at FPC Lounge.
CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 29)
Praise the Lord’s glory and power.
Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.
The glorious God thunders, and His voice echoes over the waters.
The Lord gives strength to His people;
the Lord blesses His people with peace,
and in His temple all say, "Glory!"
*OPENING HYMN #375 (red) “Shall We Gather at the River”
1. Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain:
Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
2. On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day. [Refrain]
3. Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown. [Refrain]
4. Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. [Refrain]
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, in baptism you called us to turn from sin and to turn to Jesus Christ; but we do not heed your call. In baptism you joined us to Christ that we might be raised with Christ in new life; but we fail to embrace the risen life. In baptism you united us with all the baptized who confess your name; but we refuse to live as one people. In baptism you gave us the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us but we rely on ourselves and refuse to trust your direction. Lord, have mercy on us. As you promised at our baptism, forgive our sinful ways and heal our brokenness. Raise us to new life in Jesus Christ, that we may be your faithful servants, to the glory of your holy name. Amen
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 43: 1-7 (read responsively)
1But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
4Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you;
6I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not withhold;
bring my sons from far away
and my daughters from the end of the earth --
7everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-18, 21-22
15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
SERMON Baptized and Beloved
*REAFFIRMATION OF OUR BAPTISM
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (responsively)
Just as the body is one and has many members
and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Words of Remembrance
...Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
I do.
Who is your Lord and Savior?
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying His word and showing His Love?
I will, with God's help.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH #481 (red) “I Believe in God the Father”
1. I believe in God the Father, merciful and mighty Lord.
Maker of the earth and heavens, whom we worship and adore;
And in Jesus Christ the Son, only Savior, sovereign one,
By the Holy Spirit given, born of Mary, blessed virgin.
2. Under Pilate, Jesus suffered, faithful to his final breath.
He was crucified and buried, and descended into death.
From the grave he did arise; he ascended through the skies;
Now enthroned with God in heaven, he will judge the dead and living.
3. I believe in God the Spirit, and the church in every place;
Saints in glorious communion, all forgiven, full of grace;
Flesh and blood will live again; life in Christ will never end.
Holy Spirit, Son and Father: I will praise your name forever.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
...The peace of Christ be with you
And also with you
Remember your baptism and be thankful, and know that the Holy Spirit is at work within you.
Thanks be to God. Amen
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #482 (red) “Baptized in Water”
1. Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Cleansed by the blood of Christ our King:
Heirs of salvation, trusting the promise,
Faithfully now God's praise we sing.
2. Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with Christ our King:
One with his rising, freed and forgiven,
Thankfully now God's praise we sing.
3. Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Marked with the sign of Christ our King:
Born of the Spirit, we are God’s children,
Joyfully now God's praise we sing.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Concerns: Jan J, Darwin and Jeanne L, Judy Se.
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Terry & Ann S, Janet T, Nancy T
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
*CLOSING HYMN #488 (red) “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
1. “I was there to hear your borning cry;
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized
To see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child
With a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
To find where demons dwell.”
2. “When you heard the wonder of the Word,
I was there to cheer you on.
You were raised to praise the living Lord
To whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time
And you join your hearts as one
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme
From dusk till rising sun.”
3. “In the middle ages of your life,
Not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night,
Complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in
And you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been
With just one more surprise.”
4. “I was there to hear your borning cry;
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day your were baptized
To see your life unfold.”
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE He is Born, Mary McDonald
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Baptism of the Lord
January 12, 2025
PRELUDE Pastorale, Gilbert Martin
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
-CE/FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE meets TODAY after worship service.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at the Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the center meeting room.
-SISTERHOOD will be meeting Thursday, Jan. 16 at 11:30 AM at the First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will be meeting Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 PM at FPC Lounge.
CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 29)
Praise the Lord’s glory and power.
Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.
The glorious God thunders, and His voice echoes over the waters.
The Lord gives strength to His people;
the Lord blesses His people with peace,
and in His temple all say, "Glory!"
*OPENING HYMN #375 (red) “Shall We Gather at the River”
1. Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain:
Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
2. On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day. [Refrain]
3. Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown. [Refrain]
4. Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. [Refrain]
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, in baptism you called us to turn from sin and to turn to Jesus Christ; but we do not heed your call. In baptism you joined us to Christ that we might be raised with Christ in new life; but we fail to embrace the risen life. In baptism you united us with all the baptized who confess your name; but we refuse to live as one people. In baptism you gave us the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us but we rely on ourselves and refuse to trust your direction. Lord, have mercy on us. As you promised at our baptism, forgive our sinful ways and heal our brokenness. Raise us to new life in Jesus Christ, that we may be your faithful servants, to the glory of your holy name. Amen
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 43: 1-7 (read responsively)
1But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
4Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you;
6I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not withhold;
bring my sons from far away
and my daughters from the end of the earth --
7everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-18, 21-22
15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
SERMON Baptized and Beloved
*REAFFIRMATION OF OUR BAPTISM
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (responsively)
Just as the body is one and has many members
and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Words of Remembrance
...Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
I do.
Who is your Lord and Savior?
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying His word and showing His Love?
I will, with God's help.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH #481 (red) “I Believe in God the Father”
1. I believe in God the Father, merciful and mighty Lord.
Maker of the earth and heavens, whom we worship and adore;
And in Jesus Christ the Son, only Savior, sovereign one,
By the Holy Spirit given, born of Mary, blessed virgin.
2. Under Pilate, Jesus suffered, faithful to his final breath.
He was crucified and buried, and descended into death.
From the grave he did arise; he ascended through the skies;
Now enthroned with God in heaven, he will judge the dead and living.
3. I believe in God the Spirit, and the church in every place;
Saints in glorious communion, all forgiven, full of grace;
Flesh and blood will live again; life in Christ will never end.
Holy Spirit, Son and Father: I will praise your name forever.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
...The peace of Christ be with you
And also with you
Remember your baptism and be thankful, and know that the Holy Spirit is at work within you.
Thanks be to God. Amen
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #482 (red) “Baptized in Water”
1. Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Cleansed by the blood of Christ our King:
Heirs of salvation, trusting the promise,
Faithfully now God's praise we sing.
2. Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with Christ our King:
One with his rising, freed and forgiven,
Thankfully now God's praise we sing.
3. Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Marked with the sign of Christ our King:
Born of the Spirit, we are God’s children,
Joyfully now God's praise we sing.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Concerns: Jan J, Darwin and Jeanne L, Judy Se.
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Terry & Ann S, Janet T, Nancy T
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
*CLOSING HYMN #488 (red) “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
1. “I was there to hear your borning cry;
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized
To see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child
With a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
To find where demons dwell.”
2. “When you heard the wonder of the Word,
I was there to cheer you on.
You were raised to praise the living Lord
To whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time
And you join your hearts as one
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme
From dusk till rising sun.”
3. “In the middle ages of your life,
Not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night,
Complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in
And you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been
With just one more surprise.”
4. “I was there to hear your borning cry;
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day your were baptized
To see your life unfold.”
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE He is Born, Mary McDonald