January 10 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Today’s Meditation Verse: “When God began to create the heavens and the earth--the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters…” --Genesis 1:1-2

Welcome—Pastor Charles

Prelude: “How Great Our Joy” — Lorie C.

Call to Worship —Pastor Charles (Leader) and Rebecca G. (People)— Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting

Leader: In the beginning when God created…

People: A wind swept over the waters, a breath warmed the dark voids, a Spirit called forth creation.

Leader: God gave in grace:

People: Let there be light for all to see, let there be water for all to splash in, let there be life in the midst of death. Yes, let there be life beyond death.

Leader: And God invited and invites us to respond, rejoicing!

People: It was good, it was awesome and awe-filled, it is good.                (by The Rev. Nathan Decker, Virginia Annual Conference)

Hymn: “Open My Eyes” Verses 1 & 2 led by Hannah G. and Don B. — Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

Psalm 29–Rebecca G. —Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on mute setting

You, divine beings! Give to the Lord—give to the Lord glory and power! Give to the Lord the glory due God’s name! Bow down to the Lord in holy splendor! The Lord’s voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; the Lord is over the mighty waters. The Lord’s voice is strong; the Lord’s voice is majestic. The Lord’s voice breaks cedar trees— yes, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. God makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull, makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox. The Lord’s voice unleashes fiery flames; the Lord’s voice shakes the wilderness— yes, The Lord  shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The Lord’s voice convulses the oaks, strips the forests bare, but in God’s temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the floodwaters; the Lord sits enthroned—king forever! Let the Lord give strength to the people! Let the Lord bless this people with peace!

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations—Pastor Charles

Pastoral Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer—Pastor Charles

Congregation is encouraged to pray The Lord’s Prayer aloud on mute setting

First Lesson: Acts 19:1-7—Rebecca G.

Musical Offering: “Down to the River to Pray” —Lorie C.

Gospel Lesson: Mark 1:4-11—Pastor Charles

Sermon: “Sprinkled, dunked, or poured, oh my!”—Pastor Charles

Hymn: “Just as I am” Verses 1 & 2 led by Hannah G. and Don B.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

Words for the Journey—Pastor Charles

Postlude: “Day By Day” — Alpha & Omega