Baptized With the Holy Spirit

The Gospel lesson for today is from the gospel of Mark. Mark’s Gospel does not begin with a story of Jesus’ birth, but with the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist also gives the proclamation that the coming Messiah will baptize his chosen people with the Holy Spirit. What does this mean and what are the effects that the Holy Spirit have on us? This will be the topic of Sunday’s sermon.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Comfort Ye My People”, Harald Rohlig

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of the Advent Candle – Peace

Gathering Hymn: “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a

Choir Anthem: “The Christmas Life”, Text by Wendy Cope, Music by Brian Holmes

Children’s Time

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Sermon: “Baptized With the Holy Spirit”, Pastor Dan Severson

Sermon Hymn: “Comfort, Comfort, Now My People”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of Intercession

The Lord’s Prayer

Offertory: “On Jordan’s Bank”, Flor Peeters

Offering Response and Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “People Look East”

Dismissal

Postlude: “People Lok East”, Dale Wood