BAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY
JAN 12, 2025
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
Welcome
Rev. Amanda Osenga
Associate Pastor
*Call to Worship (Psalm 100:1-2)
Leader: Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
People: Worship the Lord with gladness.
Leader: Come into God’s presence with singing!
People: Let us enter God’s courts with praise.
Leader: Let us worship God!
Gathering Hymn 33 Praise the Lord! God’s Glories Show, Vs 2 (Llanfair)
Earth to heaven exalt the strain, Alleluia!
Send it, heaven, to earth again, Alleluia!
Age to age, God’s mercies trace, Alleluia!
Praise God’s providence and grace! Alleluia!
*Corporate Confession (Unison)
Merciful God, in baptism you promise
forgiveness and new life,
making us a part of the church,
the body of Christ.
We confess that we remain preoccupied
with ourselves, separated from one another.
We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges
and show reluctance to welcome one another.
We allow the past to hold us captive.
In your loving kindness, have mercy on us.
Fulfill the promise of our baptism
so that we may rise to new life. Amen.
*Assurance of God’s Love
*Response To Thee, Great One in Three
To Thee, Great One in Three, The highest praises be,
Hence evermore! They sovereign majesty
May we in Glory see, And to eternity Love and Adore
*Passing of the Peace
*Hymn
611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Hymn to Joy)
LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD
Word to the Children
When the music begins, children are invited to gather on the chancel steps as we sing, “This is where children belong, part of our family, part of our song. Be with us, pray with us, help us grow strong: this is where children belong.” Please note that the 11:00am service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.
Sacrament of Holy Baptism (8:30am)
*The Baptismal Creed (Unison)
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 Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. We trust in the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. 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. Glory be to the Creator, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Excerpted from A Brief Statement of Faith.)
The Presentation
Pastor: This candle represents the new life in Christ. It is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. May all who have received this sacrament walk as children of the light and may God keep the flame of faith alive in them forever.
People: With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ’s church, to share with us this ministry, for we are all one in Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Lord, open our hearts and our minds
by the power of your Holy Spirit,
that as the Scriptures are read
and your Word is proclaimed,
we may hear with joy
what you say to us today. Amen.
First Lesson
Isaiah 43:1-7 (Pew Bible Old Testament Page 631)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Anthem
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (8:30am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Richard Walters
Jubilate Deo (11:00am) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Gospel Lesson
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 52)
Sermon
Rev. Clover Reuter Beal, Co-Pastor
Waters of Blessing; Words of Promise
Moment for Reflection
Appreciation for Service (11:00am only)
Service of Ordination and Installation (11:00am only)
Musical Reflection
How fair this spot, from 12 Songs (8:30am) . . . . . . . Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Now is the old year passed away (11:00am) . . . . . . . . . Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts
Making a financial gift makes Montview’s programs and ministries possible, including this worship service. You are invited to give generously at www.montview.org/giving or by using the QR code. You can also text a dollar amount to 720.452.6449. Offering boxes are stationed at the exit for cash and checks. We’re grateful for your support. All are invited to sign and pass the Friendship Pad and greet each other by name.
*Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Executive Minister
God, you have so greatly loved us,
long sought us, and mercifully
redeemed us.
Give us grace that in everything,
we may yield ourselves,
our wills and our works,
a continual thank offering to you.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Response
607 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
486 Child of Blessing, Child of Promise (Kingdom)
SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE
*Charge and Benediction
*Benediction Response (11:00am)
Glory to God in the Highest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall Thompson (1899-1984)
Postlude
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Congregational Meeting
January 26 | 9:30am-10:30am (Fellowship Hall)
On January 26, at 9:30am, we’ll hold our Annual Congregational Meeting in Fellowship Hall. During this meeting, we’ll provide church updates and answer questions. The proposed 2025 budget and Terms of Call for the pastors will be presented and voted on. Light breakfast will be served. This meeting requires a quorum of the congregation. We hope you can join us!
What’s Happening at Montview?
Take part in an All Church Read of The Spirit of Justice, by Dr. Jemar Tisby. Books will be available for purchase beginning today. Apply for a Misson Life grant by January 31; register for Summer Sacred Art Camp for children, and more in our This Week @ Montview email. Click here to access the latest edition.
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Liturgist: Rev. Amanda Osenga
Piano/Conductor: Adam Waite
Organ: Yinying Luo
Soloist: Erin Pettitt (8:30am)
Reader: Jennifer Mello (8:30am)
Reader: Mia Lucas (11:00am)
Sound: Cate Thieme
Video: John Goerner
Chorus: Westminster Choir (11:00am)