1/12/20 10:10am Service - Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Today Baptism of the Lord Sunday! We remember Jesus baptism and the impact that has on us. We also remember that Jesus was sent into the world by God, and that makes all the difference.

Prelude
As the music starts before the service, take some time to center yourself in God's presence and direct your thoughts to him.

Meet & Greet
This is a time to say hi to the folks around you, and to share in God's peace and grace as we gather as a community of faith

​First Hymn: #277 Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Don't forget to pick up a poinsettia if you ordered it.
Add the planning retreat to your calendar
​Let Pastor John know if your youth will be participating in Confirmation

Joys & Concerns
This is a time to share the good things, joys, and celebrations in that have taken place in the last week, as well as the hard things and concerns that we face.

Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, Lord's Prayer
Take some time to lift your prayers up to God, especially the joys and concerns that have been stated, or that have been left unstated. After some time for silent prayer, Pastor John will lead in a few words of prayer, and then we'll join together in the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
​And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Children's Message
This is a time led by a church member with a message specially for our kids. Afterwards, the children are invited to go with the Sunday School teachers downstairs for their own special part of the service. They'll come back up at the end of the service. 
As the children come forward, please join in singing the first verse of Jesus Loves Me

1. Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! (sing 3x’s)
The Bible tells me so.

Offertory
The ushers will come forward and receive the offering plates. The liturgist will say a prayer as we begin a time to give to God. This isn't just about the money that we put in the plates, but it is about how we give to God out of our love for him.

Doxology
After the offertory has finished, please stand as you are able, and join in giving thanks to God for these offerings. Please join in singing the doxology.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer & Scripture: John 1:29-34
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.’ 31Even I didn’t recognize him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be made known to Israel." 32John testified, "I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven like a dove, and it rested on him. 33Even I didn’t recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34I have seen and testified that this one is God’s Son."​

Leader: This is the Word of God, for the people of God
People: Thanks be to God!

Second Hymn: I Need Thee Every Hour

Message: We Will Know
God sends Jesus into the world, not of our own doing or choice, but because God is at work.
Reread John 1:19-3:36 and see if you can find some of the missing pieces of the story that is being told.

Final Hymn: #454 Open My Eyes, that I May See

​Benediction
Go and let God's mission become integrated into every part of your life. Know that God doesn't just forgive sin, but gives us wholeness and purpose in our lives so that we can live the best life possible.