WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE               “Baptized In Water”                    David Lasley

                                                                              Greg Elkins, Trumpet

*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 482              Baptized in Water 

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. 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 —based on Romans 8:15-17

You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Believe the Good News: 

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! 

*GLORIA PATRI         “Glory Be to the Father” – Hymn 581

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-18; 21-22

SERMON           “When Heaven Opens”          Rev. Barrett Ingram  

Text: “…as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on [Jesus]….” – Luke 3:21-22

*HYMN 490              Wash, O God, Your Sons and Daughters  

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        The Apostles’ Creed             pg. 35

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM  

     “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day”     arr. Richard Shephard

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

* DOXOLOGY

            “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”   – Hymn 606 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 463              How Firm a Foundation  

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE        “Christ, Our Lord, to Jordan Came”         J.S. Bach   

                        *Those who are able are invited to stand.