Thursday 4 January 2018

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY JANUARY 7TH 2018-BAPTISM OF JESUS



The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: The Whole People of God   Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
January 7th, 2018-Baptism of Jesus
* please stand as able
A thought around which to gather as we worship God’s blessings through water, word, and Spirit bring life and growth. We are challenged to immerse ourselves – to drown – in the blessings that God continually pours over us. What does it mean to pass through baptismal waters into the new life that God bestows in Jesus Christ? What is your response to hearing God call you “beloved”?
Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2017–2018 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017, p. 106
 Announcements        The Work of Church and Community
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Greeting
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit   
*Introit           Behold, Behold, I Make All Things New       MV 115
*Call to Worship      
One: In the beginning…          All: God gathered us in.
One: In the beginning…
All: God prepared our hearts and minds to worship.
One: In the beginning…    All: God called us God’s beloved.
One: In the beginning…
All: the beginning is now. Let us worship God.
*Opening Prayer
The cool water streamed down the face of Christ.
The heavens parted, and, O God, you announced your love.
Gather us into that love this day as your beloved children,
touched by the cooling waters, blessed with your peace. Amen.
*Hymn             Come, Let Us Sing                                        VU 222
Prayer for Wholeness
Creating Grace, you birthed a world out of love and called us good.
All: You shower us with mercy and then pronounce us beloved. But we sometimes forget your claims upon us.
One: Send your Spirit to descend upon us this day, O God.
All: Restore us to new life. Let your peace touch our broken places so that we might offer the healing power of Christ’s baptism to the world and ourselves. Amen.
Words of Affirmation Inspired by Psalm 29 and Mark 1
God’s voice rings over the mighty waters,
shakes the wilderness,  shatters the forests of Lebanon.
God’s voice splits the heavens, the Spirit descends like a dove,
an announcement is offered:
“You are the one I love dearly.”
“You are the one in whom I delight.” God’s voice shakes all of the earth with an eternal love. Thanks be.
*Hymn            I Have Called You by Your Name                 MV 161
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD       
Genesis 1:1–5             The first days of creation.
One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 29         God’s voice is over the waters             VU 756
*Hymn            She Comes Sailing on the Wind                     VU 380
Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
Mark 1:4–11  Jesus is baptized by John.
One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Opening the Word 2 and Reaffirmation of Baptism Liturgy
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
Minute for Mission and Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Prayer
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
One: …with a voice of love;   All: come, Lord Jesus, come.
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
*Hymn                        Morning Has Broken                         VU 409
* Sending Out                                     
*Choral Amen