January 9 @ 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 of form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters....”  — Genesis 1:1-2

Welcome...Pastor Charles

*Call to Worship...Joey Vander Vorste

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. 

—The Rev. Nathan Decker, Virginia Annual Conference

*Hymn... “How Firm a Foundation” (UMH #529)

Litany of Covenant Renewal...Joey Vander Vorste 

Every day we journey on this earth is a day in which we make choices: left or right, up or down, in or out, yes or no? Some choices are simple, and some are very complex, but one choice informs all the others: Who will be our God? Who will we trust to see us through this journey? Who has been with us from before the beginning, bringing us into existence? Who has loved us and blessed us and sent us on our way? Who has pointed us toward the path and posted the signs we need to find our way? Who has been at our side when the road has been smooth and gently curving? Who has kept with us through hairpin turns and construction zones and potholes and detours? Who will celebrate with us when we complete our course and seek the comfort of eternity? 

Only One. The One and Only. Holy One. The One and Holy.

Will you choose this day to stay faithful to the One who is faithful to us? Count us in. Will you choose this day to place your whole trust in the One who is trustworthy? Count us in. Will you choose this day to commit your talents and your resources to the One who first endowed them? Count us in. Will you choose this day to love the One who loved us first? Count us in.

Praying together: We devote ourselves to you by renewing the covenant— the promise you made to humanity so long ago. Because you are our God, we will be your people. Enlarge our faithfulness, our trust, our commitment, and our love so that we may graciously uphold our side of the deal. Help us always to recognize your presence and your blessings throughout our journey. Keep us in your care. Amen.

—written by the Rev. Christine Sobania Johnson http://freshlysqueezedliturgy.blogspot.com/

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Pastor Charles

First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7...Joey Vander Vorste

Special Music..."Crystal River" (February 9, 2020)

Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:15-17, 22-22...Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Pastor Charles / “Where God finds happiness” -- To view the sermon, click here.

Celebration of Ministry...Martha Batch / Wildfire Relief Fund -- To view this, click here.

*Hymn... “This is the Spirit’s Entry Now” (UMH #608)

*Words for the Journey...Pastor Charles