Dear friends,
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
ALL OF THE GOSPELS RECORD THE EVENT OF JESUS’ BAPTISM. For scholars, that Jesus would receive John’s baptism of repentance was problematic. Jesus is the sinless lamb of God. Much ink has been spilled over the question of why Jesus came to John to be baptized. Matthew gives us the details of the baptism but in a sense his telling of the story is in a different setting from that of the other gospel writers. In Matthew’s telling of Jesus’ story, Jesus represents the new Israel. As Jesus rises from the baptismal waters, God the Father speaks. His words affirm our Lord Jesus as he says: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn: “Holy God we praise your name” (tune 776; vs 3 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn: “In Christ Alone” (vs 2&3 en français)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 29
Gloria Patri
Old Testament Lesson – Isaiah 42:1-9 (en français BFC; English on the screen)
New Testament Lesson – Acts 10:34-43
Gospel Lesson – Matthew 3:13-17
Sermon: “The Father Speaks”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn: “Hymn for the Baptism of our Lord” (tune 245)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 490: “God of grace and God of Glory”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude