Sunday January 14, 2024 Epiphany 1 Baptism of our Lord
Centenary United Methodist Church January 14, 2024 – In the Season of Epiphany ~ Baptism of Our Lord Human Relations Sunday Rev. Emily Skorupinski, Pastor ~ Quietly meditate as the light moves forward ~ BRINGING IN THE LIGHT Julie Thackrah MUSIC FOR THE GATHERING Russell Schultz-Widman (1944-) How Brightly Beams the Morning Star WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Larry Cox CALL TO WORSHIP Led by Carol Day - (standing) There are some days when I need the reminder that I belong to God. Do you ever feel that way? Yes. We do. The world can be a harsh place; we often need that reminder. Well then, let us care for one another. Let us speak the truth we each need to hear. Church, you belong to God. You are God’s beloved. Friend, you belong to God. You are God’s beloved. Let us worship the God who knows our names. Let us worship the God who calls us beloved. Amen. HYMN OF PRAISE Insert – (standing) Brightest and Best Text: H. B. Heber (1783) ~ Music: J. P. Harding (1850) PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Led by Carol Day – (seated) Beloved God, Through the pages of scripture, you have sprinkled your love for us like an echoed refrain. Despite its repeated truth, we too often allow that good news to roll off of us like water, barely allowing it to touch us. Make today different. As we read your Word aloud, let the truth of your love for creation seep into our bones. May we hear your echos of “beloved” deep within us and respond with overflowing joy. We are here. We are listening. Amen. RESPONSE Blue Bk ~ No. 393 (seated) Spirit of the Living God Text and Music by Daniel Iverson (1926) ~ ©1935, 1963 Moody Bible Institute GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:4-11 Read by Carolyn Kitchen John’s Preaching 4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, "One stronger than I am is coming after me. I'm not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Jesus is baptized and tempted 9 About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. 11 And there was a voice from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness." The Word of God for the children of God Sung response Celtic Alleluia Text and Music: Fintan O’Carroll and Christopher Walker REMEMBERING YOUR BAPTISM Pastor Emily You are welcome to come forward to receive a water annointing. Music Baptized by Water Sung by Julie Thackrah Text: Michael Saward ~ Music: trad. Gaelic melody, harm by Carlton R. Young PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord’s Prayer Blue Bk ~ No. 895 GIVING OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS You can give at any time by going to Centenary’s web page click on the Donate tab at www.centenary-umc.com ++ Doxology ~ Blue Bk ~ No. 95 Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above the Heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen Offertory Prayer Julie Thackrah HYMN OF HOPE Blue Bk ~ No. 347 (standing) Spirit Song Text and Music ~ John Wimber (1979) – ©1979 Mercy Publishing BENEDICTION Brian Christian ~ seated ~ POSTLUDE Arr. Barry H. Cornwall In Dulci Jubalo ~ The Postlude is part of our worship celebration. Quietly reflect as the Postlude is provided ~ The printed music, lyrics, videos, and music selections are covered under CCLI-11024657, St. James Music Press # 21308, and ONE LICENSE #738667-A. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-700000. All rights reserved. Today’s scripture lesson is from the Common English Version of the Bible (CEB). The Series Guide for “How Does A Weary World Rejoice” developed by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity / Commentary by guest contributor, Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong / Liturgy by Rev. Sarah Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
