WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP --Ps. 29; Luke 3:21–22

Leader: The voice of God resounds upon the water.

People: The Spirit of the Lord hovers over the stream.

Leader: The Son of God is named, “Beloved.”

People: And all who worship shout out, “Glory!”

Leader: Ascribe to the Lord majesty and strength.

People: Let us worship God in holy splendor.

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 35 “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”

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 sisters and brothers in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another; we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you make in baptism so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace…

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are forgiven and called to lives of obedience and service.

Believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” #581

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen, amen.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

SERMON: “Spirit and Fire” Rev. Barrett Ingram

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH From a Brief Statement of Faith

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the church. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

OFFERTORY

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*COMMUNION HYMN 482 “Baptized in Water”

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Prayer of Thanksgiving and The Lord’s Prayer

Communion of the People

Prayer after Communion

*HYMN 462 “I Love to Tell the Story”

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

*Those that are able are invited to stand.