Baptism of the Lord

January 13, 2008:  10:30 a.m.

Spotlight on Fellowship

 

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

 

PRELUDE                On Jordan’s Stormy Banks (Tune: O’Kane)               T. Birchwood

                                          Baptized in Water (Tune: Bunessan)                             L. Smith                         

 

WELCOME, REGISTRATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

      Spotlight on Fellowship and Service                                                     Pam Kindinger

 

CHIMES & LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

CHORAL INTROIT  

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                          from Call to Worship            

            Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

                 We hear the news of the boundless riches of Christ

     and our hearts sing for joy.

God reveals the mysteries of the ages for those who wait.

     The light of Christ illumines our way. 

     Come, let us walk in the light of God.

 

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 289                                                   O God of Every Nation

                                                    

*CONFESSION OF WHO WE ARE                                                    on Acts 10:34-43/wrl     

Peter says, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him….” 

           

            God of prophet and apostle: 

We often believe that the point of having a god is partiality, 

                 receiving or earning an inside track to your attention.

             It’s not enough that you love us among others;

                 we want you to love us better than you love others!   

             Forgive our wanting you to be as we are.  Make us more like you. 

                  Stretch our impartiality. 

(time for silent, personal confession)  Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF WHOSE WE ARE

           

            May the God of mercy, who forgives all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness,

     And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

                 And also with you.

(worshipers extend Christ’s peace by word and gesture)

 

 

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

 

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                    Matthew 3:13—17 (NRSV)

 

ANTHEM                                               I Ponder                                              C. Courtney

 

WORD WITH CHILDREN

 

LESSON FROM HISTORY                                                            Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)

SERMON                                                                              Heavens—opened or gated?”

 

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

 

OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES

            Call to Respond

            OFFERTORY                 Let the Song Go Forth                                       J. Martin            

 

SEAL THE WORD IN SACRAMENT

 

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

 

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

            HYMN # 322                                                                        Spirit of the Living God

            THE LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional)                                                   Hymnal P. 16

 

BREAKING BREAD AND SHARING THE CUP

(Passing  bread worshipers may say, “The body of Christ for you.”

Passing the cup worshipers may say, “The cup of blessing in Christ for you.”)

 

GO IN GOD’S NAME

 

*HYMN # 320                                                                                        The Lone Wild Bird                                

*CHARGE & BLESSING

 

POSTLUDE                  God the Omnipotent (Tune: Russian Hymn)             R. Thygerson             

 

Next Week’s Scriptures:  Isaiah 49: 1-7; Psalm 40: 1-11; 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9; John 1: 29-42              

 

WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

 

WORSHIP LEADERS

 

Liturgist 

Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl

Sermon

Rev. William R. Leety

Word with Children

Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl

Musical Leadership

Chancel Choir

Celebration Singers

Sarah Shaffer, Choirmaster

Nancy Deeth, Organist