Dear friends,
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
OUR SCRIPTURE READING is taken from Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22, “John the Baptist Prepares the Way”. John the Baptist points to someone greater than himself, Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and God’s voice declared, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” All four Gospels tell us that the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at this time (Matthew 3: 16, Mark 1: 10, Luke 3: 22 and John 1: 32). One commentator notes, “The Father now publicly declares the identity of Jesus, as Gabriel foretold it and as the youth Jesus implied it” (Luke 2: 49). Jesus’ public mission and ministry was about to begin.
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 176: “Songs of thankfulness and praise”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 400: “Spirit of the Living God” (vs 2 en français)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 29
Gloria Patri
Isaiah 43:1-7
Ephesians 3:1-12
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sermon: “The big influence of small things”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn for the Baptism of our Lord; by L.F. Chalk (tune 245)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 685: “How firm a foundation” (vs 5 en français)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude