The Beloved in Whom God is Well Pleased

The Baptism of Our Lord

This Sunday we celebrate The Baptism of our Lord” (Luke 3:21-22) and it will occasion Pastor Kevin preaching about Baptism, our forever connection to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Dr. Martin Luther spoke about his daily practice of remembering he was baptized as a way of assuring himself of his identity in Christ. But he writes volumes about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. Some of our contemporary Lutheran theology and practice have supplanted the Sacrament of Baptism as an “ends of grace” instead of a “means of grace.”

This Sunday will be an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to Christ, and appreciate the benefits of having gone through the Initiation Rite of Christian Baptism.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Cantabile No. 7 (Opus 25)”

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “Shall We Gather at the River”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7

Second Reading: Acts 8:14-17

Choir Anthem: “I’ve God Peace Like a River”, Spiritual, arr. by John O Schroeder

Children’s Time

Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Sermon: “The Beloved in Whom God is Well Pleased”, Pastor Kevin Murphy

Sermon Hymn: “Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church and Lord’s Prayer

Offertory: “Aria”, Stefan Trenner

Offering Response: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Let All Things Now Living”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Toccata gloriosa”, Felix Brauer