Baptism of the Lord Sunday - Jan 5 2025 - 1st Presbyterian Church of Hartford - Pastor Nancy Baseel

First Sunday After Epiphany - Baptism of the Lord Sunday, January 12, 2025 First Presbyterian Church of Hartford - Rev. Nancy Baseel, Pastor GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME OPENING MUSIC There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit, Doris Akers WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP One: Holy Triune God, author of community, come baptize us. Many: Remind us what it means to belong to one another. One: God who tears the heavens, come baptize us. Many: Reveal your power that ushers in new realms. One: God who calls us beloved, come baptize us. Many: Welcome us into the paradox of strength that comes from weakness. One: Together, let us remember this day. Many: In the Creator’s love we are held, into Christ’s body we are baptized, One: and by the Spirit’s power, we are claimed. ALL: Come, let us worship our one God! Amen. HYMN#623 I’ve Got Peace Like a River CALL TO CONFESSION A TIME OF UNSPOKEN PRAYER PRAYER OF CONFESSION ALL: We give you thanks for the grace that is at work in us through the gift of our baptism – the sign of your threefold name, the communion of your faithful people, the promise of your glorious realm. By the power of your Holy Spirit, poured out upon us in baptism, let your grace and peace grow in us, forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ASSURANCE OF GRACE One: The light of all life and the breath of all creation claims you, calling you “good” from the very beginning, very good. Believe the good news: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven. ALL: Thanks be to God. Amen. SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST AND THE RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP One: May the peace of Christ be with you, Many: and also with you! SONG OF COMMUNITY Arise, Shine! For Your Light Has Come PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD EARLY WORD PRAYER for ILLUMINATION HEBREW SCRIPTURES READING Isaiah 43:1-7 GOSPEL READING Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 SERMON Rev. Nancy Baseel RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD HYMN #480 Take Me to the Water OFFERING INVITATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF OUR FAITH IN ACTION OFFERTORY ANTHEM There is a Longing in our Hearts, Anne Quigley DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Christ all creatures here below. Praise Holy Spirit, evermore. Praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER GOING FORTH TO SERVE CHARGE & BENEDICTION HYMN #408 There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit POSTLUDE I’ve Got Peace Like a River, arr. P. Keveren Acknowledgements: Cover art: Baptism of the Lord by He Qi. Licenses for music use: CCLI: 3783268 and OneLicense: A-719942