Order of Worship

Opening Voluntary – “Prelude in G minor, BWV 558” by J. S. Bach (spurious)

Welcome/Greetings

Choral Introit

*Opening Hymn #189 – “Fairest Lord Jesus”                        ST. ELIZABETH

*Call to Worship

L:  Come! Let us follow Jesus to the edge of the Jordan River to be baptized. 

P:  We come to be cleansed and made whole.

L:  Come!  Let us witness John’s confusion and Jesus’ insistence that John baptize God Incarnate.

P:  We come to join Jesus in choosing life in the kingdom of God.

L:  Come!  Let us hear God declare the truth of Jesus’ identity and the truth of our identity as baptized people. 

P:  We come to remember and embody who we are as beloved children of God.

L:  Come! Let us worship God who leads us into the baptismal waters and salvation life.

P:  We come to worship God who empowers us through divine presence to live together as the family of God.

*Opening Prayer

Eternal God, at the baptism of Jesus, you revealed him to be your Son, and anointed him with the Holy Spirit.  Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful to their calling as your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer of Confession

We have entered the season in which your light has been given to the world, your blessings have been poured out on the world, and yet all we can think about is our own problems, our own needs, our own desires.  Help us to yearn for your presence. Pour your baptismal waters over us again, cleansing us from our selfishness and arrogance.  Nourish and heal us so that we may joyfully serve you.  Let us receive the blessings offered in creation and in the birth and baptism of Jesus.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Words of Assurance

The love of God is always offered to us, freely, joyfully, for all eternity. Rejoice, dear friends, this is the good news of our Lord. Amen.

Passing of the Peace of Christ

Jesus is the first one who passed through the waters of Christian baptism, Our Eldest Sibling in the new family of God, Womb of Life, through whom all find new life.  Let us welcome everyone who joins us in our family time today.

Westminster Ringers – “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” arr. by Roy T. Slogging, Jr.

Children’s Message          Rev. Prumeh Kim

Scriptures

Old Testament – Isaiah 42:1-9

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.  ² He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.  ³ A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; ⁴ he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.  In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”  ⁵ This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:  ⁶ “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, ⁷ to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.  ⁸ “I am the Lord; that is my name!  I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.  ⁹ See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

L:  The Word of God, For the People of God.  P:  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – Matthew 3:13-17

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  ¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”  Then John consented.  ¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

L:  The Word of God, For the People of God.  P:  Thanks be to God.

*Hymn before Sermon #2107 – “Wade in the Water”     WADE IN THE WATER

(The Faith We Sing Hymnal)

Sermon – “Ministry of Presence”           Rev. Prumeh Kim

Pastoral Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Congregational Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant – UMH Page 50 

Invitation to Tithes and Offering

Isaiah calls those who partner with God a light to the nations.  We are to establish justice in the earth and bring those who sit in darkness into the light.  What important world-shaping work!  May we give of our lives and gifts for this work!

Chancel Choir – “Wash, O God, Your Sons and Daughters”    (BEACH SPRING)

*Hymn No. 95 – Presentation of the Offering

*Prayer of Dedication

God of Bold Visions for our World, you love all peoples and nations, seeking a world where everyone flourishes in just and righteous lives.  Use us and our gifts for the newness you declare possible.  Make this newness spring forth in and through us.

*Closing Hymn #605 – “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters”       BEACH SPRING

*Dismissal with Blessing

Closing Voluntary – “Revive Us Again” arranged by Larry Shackley