WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE                “Prelude on “Bunessan”                John A. Behnke                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 29:2-4

Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name,

    worship the LORD in holy splendor.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;

    the God of glory thunders,

     the LORD, over mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful;

    the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 297              In Christ Called to Baptize 

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

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Our assurance of knowing the peace and joy of God’s forgiveness is found in believing in the One baptized by John and identified by God in the words: “You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Know therefore that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

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

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 3:13-17

SERMON                 “God’s Beloved”           Rev. Barrett Ingram 

*HYMN 482              Baptized in Water

*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.

ORDINATION/INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM      “Spirit of God”  arr. Robert F. Farley

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY – Hymn 606 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 475              Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing                           

*BENEDICTION  

*POSTLUDE                     “Hornpipe in D”                 John Dixon

*Those who are able are invited to stand.