Order of Worship for Sunday, January 12th 2025

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Remember your baptism!
All: A sign of God’s love for us that never ends.

Leader: Remember your baptism!
All: A sign of our belonging in this community of God’s people.

Leader: Remember your baptism!
All: A call from God to change our hearts and lives.

Opening Hymn

In Christ There Is No East or West UMH 548

Prayer of Confession

Creator of the universe, we gather amazed at your power and glory. We are eager to worship you and offer our praise, but we are often reluctant to answer when we hear you calling our name. We sing our songs of tribute in the sanctuary, but shy away from the river, lest we be baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Forgive us when we forget your promise to be with us always, O God. Renew us with the power of your ever-present love, and strengthen us to proclaim your justice throughout the world. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Hear the words of our creator, spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “I have called you by name. You are mine. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.”
All: With open hearts, we embrace God’s call to live faithfully.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 51:6-17

Second Reading:

Luke 3:1-22

Sermon:

Jesus and John the Baptist by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine UMH 606

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Loving God, who guides us with your everlasting presence, we offer these gifts with grateful hearts. As Jesus stood with us in the waters of baptism, may these offerings stand as a testament to your love and grace. Use them to bring hope, healing, and transformation to our world. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Shall We Gather at the River UMH 723

Benediction

Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.

Postlude

Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 1/22/2025 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Join us for a weekly Bible study and lunch with Pastor Kevin on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Bring your lunch and come ready to dive deeper into the Sunday morning scripture. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about the word of God in a small group setting with the guidance of our pastor. See you there!

Learn More

Next Steps

on 2/2/2025 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM

"Join us at 'Next Steps,' our recurring gathering where we explore the future of our church's ministry and your role within it. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by plugging into our diverse ministries."