Sunday January 12, 2025 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m.

Gathering in God’s Name

Prelude — Prelude in G Major — J.S. Bach
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

Silent Meditation
“We will never change the world by just going to church.  We will only change it by being the church.” — The Celtic Christian Tradition

Call to Worship
The God of heaven has made a home on earth.
       Christ dwells among us and is one with us.
The highest in all creation lives among the least.
       Christ journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.
Come now, all who thirst
       And drink the water of life.
Come now, all who hunger
       And be filled with good things.
Come now, all who seek
       And be warmed by the fire of love.  Let us worship God!

Praise and Adoration

*Opening Hymn #96 — On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry — WINCHESTER NEW
(*Please stand, if you are able)

Confession and Pardon

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ.  We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from one another.  Instead of reaching out with loving kindness, we fail to forgive one another.  Instead of fostering peace, we hold grudges.  Have mercy on us.  Fulfill that promises of our baptism so that we might rise to new life and live together in grace.   

Silent Prayers of Confession and Petition

Kyrie Eleison (#434) — Restore in Us, O God — BAYLOR

Assurance of Pardon

*Gloria Patri (#581) — GLORIA PATRI — (Greatorex)                                                                                                                                                                            

*Welcome                            

Announcements

Fellowship of Prayer

Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the People
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Proclamation of God’s Word

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Lesson — Luke 3: 15-22 — page 834 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

Sermon — “Hearing God’s Voice” — Dr. Zieman

Prayer

Our Response to God’s Word

 Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory — Down Galilee’s Slow Roadways — Michael Burkhardt

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

*Hymn #688 (verses 1 & 2) — “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” — MORECAMBE

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

*Affirmation of Faith — The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

*Sanctus — Holy, Holy, God Almighty — DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

The Words of Institution

The Serving of the Elements
Please come forward as directed by an usher.  All baptized Christians are encouraged to partake – by taking a piece of bread and dipping it into the cup.  Gluten-free bread is at the station closer to the pulpit. If you are unable to come forward, an elder will serve you in the pew.

Communion Anthem — Let Us Break Bread Together — arr. Jay Althouse

*Prayer of Thanksgiving
We bless you, O God, for your gifts of bread and cup, and for sustaining us in hope every day of our lives. We pray for your strength as we prepare to serve you and your world.  We offer to you lives of witness and worship in this world you have made. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Hymn #688 (verses 3,4,5) — “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” — MORECAMBE

*Charge and Benediction                              

Postlude — Trumpet Fanfare II — Paul Fey