Prelude
Gabriel’s Oboe (from 2019 service)
Welcome and Call to Worship
We come, God of our childhood, to worship you - as we then believed in you.
We come to give thanks to God for the gift of a simple, trusting faith.
We come, God of our youthful enthusiasm, to worship you – whole-heartedly.
We come to praise our God for the blessings of mentors and encouragers.
We come, God of our maturity, to worship you – as we have grown through the
struggles and experiences of faithfully trusting in you, so we offer you our thanks.
We come to worship and praise our Faithful God who continues to journey with us; and who blesses and guides us through all our life. Amen.
Opening Hymn No. 475, verses 1 & 3
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Call to Confession
People of God, we desire to be refreshed, renewed and changed.
Let us listen again to God’s calling our names
to encourage us and strengthen our resolve
to be God’s people in faithfulness and peace-loving justice. First in a time of silent, personal prayer.
Prayer of Confession (unison)
O God, we hear your voice
and we see the way of Jesus set before us.
But it’s hard, dear God, to try again and again
to live up to our baptismal vows
and maintain our resolve to be your people in the world.
In repentance, we ask you to forgive us.
Set us once again on a holy path that leads to you. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Friends, God hears our prayers and sets before us the way of Jesus.
God calls us and gives us enough grace and mercy to follow the way.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Sung Response No. 842
The Lord Is My Light Jacques Berthier
Common Life and Peace of Christ
Scripture Reading
Mark 1:4-11
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Sermon
What’s in a Name? Rev. Laura Sherwood
Responsive Anthem
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Elizabeth Poston
The tree of life my soul hath seen laden with fruit, and always green,
The tree of life my soul hath seen laden with fruit, and always green,
The trees of nature fruitless be compared with Christ the apple tree.
His beauty doth all things excel: by faith I know, but ne'er can tell
His beauty doth all things excel: by faith I know, but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see in Jesus Christ the apple tree.
For happiness I long have sought and pleasure dearly I have bought:
For happiness I long have sought and pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree
I'm weary with my former toil here I will sit and rest awhile:
I'm weary with my former toil here I will sit and rest awhile:
Under the shadow I will be of Jesus Christ the apple tree
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive it keeps my dying faith alive;
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive it keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be with Jesus Christ the apple tree.
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Call for Offering
Congregational Response - The Doxology (OLD HUNDREDTH - Hymn 606)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Faithful God,
Bless us in our baptismal calling
to be in the ministry of showing hospitality to others.
We offer the gifts that we have been given to be used
not for conquest and dominance,
but for use in liberating the poor and hurting people
who pray for our liberation as well as their own.
Receive and multiply our gifts for life-giving ministry. Amen.
Renewal of Baptism - You are invited to have a bowl of water near you or to participate in this renewal ceremony near another source of water.
Prayer for Baptism Renewal (unison)
O God, we rejoice in your grace, given and received.
We thank you that you claim us,
that you wash us, strengthen us, and guide us,
that you empower us to live a life worthy of our calling.
In the way of Jesus, make us as water in a dry and thirsty world.
Establish us to be places of refreshment.
Root us and nurture us in love, that with all your people,
that we may rightly and justly serve you. Fill us with your fullness
that our lives may overflow in service and love. Amen.
Sending Hymn No. 480
Take Me to the Water
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
Chain of Hearts Kavin Hoo
Worship Leaders:
Rev. Laura Sherwood, preaching
Amy Russell, liturgist
Carol Moss, hymn and anthem soloist
Linnea Jacobs, anthem soloist
Greg Korak, postlude
Peggy Massello, piano/organ, hymn/anthem soloist
Chancel Choir, Doxology
Sources:
Call to Worship - The Timeless Psalms by Joan Stott
Confession, Prayer of Dedication, Prayer for Baptism Renewal - United Church of Christ “Worship Ways” - from Seeking Higher Ground, Service Prayers for Baptism of Christ Sunday by the Rev. Rosemary McCombs Maxey, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, retired clergy and a member of Fellowship Congregational United Church of Christ, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Copyright 2020 Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100
