Baptism of the Lord
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME AND FUNNY STORY
Karen Cassidy, CLM
CENTERING WORDS (Matthew 3)
Karen Cassidy
Come to the waters of baptism. Touch the Spirit’s power.
Feel the Spirit’s loving embrace. Come and be made new.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Isaiah 42)
responsive reading Sharon Stewart
Holy waters call us here.
We are a people of the water.
Splash and play in the holy spring.
We are a people of the Spirit.
Wash in the fount of Christ’s love.
We are a people of God’s grace.
Come! Our baptism calls us here.
OPENING PRAYER
(Isaiah 42, Psalm 29, Matthew 3)
Sharon Stewart
Spirit of righteousness, God of power and might, help us be a light to the nations and a reflection of your glorious salvation. Work in our lives and in our ministries that the world might know the power of your love and grace. As you alighted upon Jesus at his baptism, descend upon us this day, that we may be a people of hope and possibility. Wash us clean and renew our spirits through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN: “O Worship the King”
UMC Hymnal #73
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Psalm 29: 1-9 Good News Translation
Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Miss Karen
PREPARATION FOR PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: “I Surrender All”
UMC Hymnal #354
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Matthew 3: 13-17, Acts: 10: 34-43
MEDITATION Karen Cassidy, CLM
“Power Up!”
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Karen Cassidy
OFFERTORY "Give Thanks"
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2036
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(Unison) Pastor Bob
Be in the gifts we bring before you, O God, as you are ever in the gift of our baptism. Renew your people through this offering as you have renewed us with your presence this day, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
HYMN: “Spirit Song”
UMC Hymnal #347
BENEDICTION (Colossians 3)
Karen Cassidy
Rejoice in the glory of your baptism each and every day.
We will live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let your spirits soar like eagles but be gentle as doves.
Renew us once more Great Spirit!
The Spirit of God summons: “Come into the presence of Love.”
Amen.
BENEDICTION HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
Old Testament & New Testament Readings are from the
Good News Translation.
Today’s liturgy is from “The Abingdon Worship Annual – 2023”