Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit 3461 Cedar Crest Blvd. EMAIL Info@holyspirit-emmaus.org Emmaus, PA 18049-1599 www.lchsemmaus.org PHONE 610.967.2220 www.facebook.com/lchsemmaus FAX 610.966.3021 Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, January 13, 2019 7:30 am The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Ministry in Daily Life Gathered by God s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we invite and welcome all people to join us on our journey to become more faithful ministers of Jesus Christ in our homes, our communities, and the world.
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ELW refers to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the red worship book. Page numbers are in the front of the book with hymn numbers following in the middle & end. During worship, please silence all communication devices. *As you are able, please stand. Gathering Gathering Music On Jordan s Bank the Baptist s Cry setting, Rowland-Raybold Welcome and Theme of the Day The Baptism of Our Lord helps us recall our own and all baptismal blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as daughters and sons, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we pass through the waters... the rivers... fire. On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of the beloved Son of God in bread and wine. *Thanksgiving for Baptism The assembly reads responsively. The assembly and ministers face the waters of the baptismal font. Water! Water! We praise you, O God, for water-- the rain that nourishes animals and plants, the water for drinking and bathing. We praise you, O God, for water. We praise you, O God, for our water stories-- a flood that cleansed the earth, the sea that drowned the enemy, a river that healed leprosy. We praise you, O God, for water. 3
We remember the waters of Jesus-- baptized in the Jordan River, calming the Sea of Galilee, drinking from Jacob s Well, healing at the pool of Bethesda, washing the disciples feet. We praise you, O God, for water. We praise you, O God, for this font, for you breathe into this water to wash away our sin and birth us each day into your peace and joy. We praise you, O God, for baptism. O God, you are the Ocean, sustaining this earth. O God, you are the River, saving us from death. O God, you are the Fountain, giving us health and well-being. We praise you, God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, today, tomorrow, forever. Amen. *Gathering Song On Jordan s Bank the Baptist s Cry ELW Hymn 249 verses 1-4 *Greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. 4
*Hymn of Praise Glory to God ELW Setting 10 *Prayer of the Day Let us pray. Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 5
Word First Reading A Reading from Isaiah 43:1-7. NRSV Bible, page 585 Near the end of Israel s exile in Babylon, God promises to bring them home. They need no longer be afraid, because the one who formed, created, and called them by name now redeems them from all their enemies. God declares them precious and honored, and God loves them. After the reading, Word of God, Word of Light. Thanks be to God! Psalm 29 The assembly reads responsively. Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due God s name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is upon the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon; the LORD makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD bursts forth in lightning flashes. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe and strips the forests bare. And in the temple of the LORD all are crying, Glory! The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forevermore. O LORD, give strength to your people; Give us, O LORD, the blessings of peace. 6
Second Reading A Reading from Acts 8:14-17. NRSV Bible, page 892 Peter and John are sent to support the new Christians in Samaria, a group that was recently baptized after hearing the good news of Christ through the preaching of Philip. Here the Samaritans receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in the laying on of hands. After the reading, Word of God, Word of Light. Thanks be to God! *Gospel Acclamation Alleluia ELW Setting 10 *Gospel The Holy Gospel according to Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. NRSV Bible, page 834 Glory to you, O Lord. The reading opens with questions about the identity of the Messiah. John the Baptist insists that he is not the Messiah; instead he points ahead to one who is coming. And whether the voice of God was heard by all or only by Jesus, God settles the matter: Jesus is God s beloved Son. After the reading of the gospel, The Gospel of Our Lord! Praise to You, O Christ. Sermon Pr. Ric Elliott *Hymn of the Day Songs of Thankfulness and Praise ELW Hymn 310 7
*Affirmation of Faith Let us affirm our faith using Luther s explanation of Baptism from the Small Catechism. What is baptism? Baptism is more than simply plain water. It is water used according to God's command and connected with God's word. What is this word of God? Where our Lord says in Matthew 28, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." What gifts or benefits does baptism give us? It saves us from death and the devil to give us forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the words and promise of God declare. What then is the significance of such a baptism with water? It signifies that the old person in us, with all sin and evil desires, is to be drowned and die through daily repentance for sin, and on the other hand, that daily a new person is born to live before God in wholeness and purity forever. Where is this written? In the Bible, St. Paul says in Romans 6, "We were buried with Christ through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life." *Prayers of the People Giving thanks for the gift of baptism and the gifts of grace in the world, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need. After each petition: In baptism God has called us, help us follow you. Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all of your beloved for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 8
*Remember Your Baptism Child of God, when you were baptized, you were marked with the cross of Christ forever. Remember your baptism with thanksgiving and joy. You are a loved child of God. In light of the flu season, the people trace an air cross on the forehead of others, saying, You are a loved child of God. just as they were marked with the cross of Christ at their baptism. Offering Hymn Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters ELW Hymn 445 The assembly stands on the last verse. The assembly responds to the Word of God by gathering an offering for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. The music is offered as a gift to the glory of God. You may give your offering in the offering plate located on the small table when you enter the worship space, or by using a credit or debit card at the Giving Kiosk, or Give by Text (610-981-1312), or through Simply Giving, or by sending it to the church office. The table is set. *Great Thanksgiving Meal The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. By the leading of a star Jesus was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed Christ your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine Jesus revealed your glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name. Blessed are you, O holy God: you are the Life and Light of all. By your powerful word you created all things. Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations and in baptism you call us to be your faithful disciples. Blessed are you for Jesus, your Son. He is your Light, shining in our darkness and revealing to us your mercy and might. 9
Words of Institution Remembering, therefore, Jesus preaching and healing, his dying and rising, and his promise to come again, we await that day when all the universe will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. By your Spirit bless us and this meal, that, refreshed with this heavenly food, we may be light for the world, revealing the brilliance of your Son. Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, both now and forever. Amen *Lord s Prayer Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. *Invitation to Communion Come to the table children of God. Feast on God s abundant life for you. Amen. Sacrament of Holy Communion All who are baptized and believe in the presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion are welcome to receive the Sacrament. The people come forward, using the center aisle, and may kneel or stand at the altar rail. Gluten free wafers are available. Our wine is grape juice so that all may freely receive and is served by intinction, dipping the bread into the chalice. Please return to your seat using the side aisles. Children may receive the sacrament if they have completed instruction with a pastor. Children who do not commune may come forward for a blessing. The ministers address each person receiving communion or a blessing with, child of God. 10
*Prayer Let us pray. Almighty God, who gives us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Affirmation of Stephen Ministers and Leaders P The following persons have been called, trained and serve as Stephen Ministers and Leaders for the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives to everyone ability for particular service. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person, for the good of all. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) You have been trained and set apart to be Stephen Ministers in this congregation. On behalf of your sisters and brothers in Christ, I ask you to re-affirm this calling: Are you willing to continue to faithfully serve your care receivers? SM Yes, by the help of God. Those being affirmed face the congregation. P C P People of God, I ask you: Will you support these, your Stephen Ministers, and will you pray for them and support them in this caring ministry of our Lord? Yes, by the help of God. We affirm you as Stephen Ministers and Leaders of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. God bless you with the Holy Spirit, that you may be faithful servants of Christ. SM Amen. *P Let us pray. Eternal God, through your Son, Jesus Christ, pour out your Holy Spirit on our Stephen Ministers and Leaders. Guide, bless, and keep them in their serving, that they may faithfully carry out the ministry of caring that is entrusted to them. May this ministry so reflect your compassion and grace that those to whom they minister may come to know your healing love through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 11
Sending *Blessing God Almighty send you light and truth to keep you all the days of your life. The hand of God protect you; the holy angels accompany you; and the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever. Amen. *Sending Song This Is the Spirit s Entry Now ELW Hymn 448 *Dismissal The assisting minister sends the assembly into mission. Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Shine, Jesus, shine! Postlude Postlude in C Major Lukins CCLI #678084 One License A-701076 HymnPrint.net License #11804. The Toolkit all content Changing Church Forum, Inc. Reproducible for church use only. Liturgy from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #20593. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by Permission. All rights reserved. Some liturgy reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion. 2014. Used by permission. Word in meal Eucharistic prayer submitted to Liturgylink.net by Rev. Elsa Peters, the United Churches of Olympia, WA. Thanksgiving for Baptism from Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks: A Collection of Litanies, Laments, and Thanksgivings at Font and Table by Gail Ramshaw, copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reproduced by permission. Some liturgical text from Washed and Welcome 2010 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #20593. Baptismal Gathering submitted to LiturgyLink.net by Rev. Julia Seymour, Lutheran Church of Hope, Anchorage, AK. 12