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 10:45 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.
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 Thanksgiving is at the font, where our baptismal life begins. The baptismal candle is lighted. Those present may make the sign of the cross, + the sign marked at baptism. Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. Amen. Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks and remember the gift God gave us in baptism. Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and mighty, you are the river of life, you are the everlasting wellspring, you are the fire of rebirth. Your waters are below us, around us, above us. You are the flowing fountain of resurrection and new life. Praise to you for your saving waters: Noah and the animals survived the flood, The Israelites escaped through the sea, and they drank from your gushing rock. The Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again. Let us remember the great cloud of witnesses who have molded and shaped us in our lives and given us the living water of life. The assembly silently or aloud names the cloud of witnesses in their own life. 2
Praise to you for the water of baptism and for your Word that saves us in the sacrament of holy baptism. Breathe your Spirit into all who are gathered here and into all creation. Illumine our days. Enliven our bones. Dry our tears. Wash away the sin within us so that we will be whiter than snow. Through this water remind us of the gift of our baptism and satisfy all our thirst with your living water. Shower us with your Spirit, that your forgiveness, grace, and love may be renewed in our lives. Renew us in your promises so that we may serve this world in all its need. Affirmation of Stephen Ministers and Leaders P The following persons have been gifted and called in baptism; and trained to 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. P C Those being affirmed face the assembly. 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. P 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. 3
*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. *Hymn of Praise Glory to God WOV setting 5 4
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*Prayer of the Day Let us pray together. Almighty God, keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful to their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 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! 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! Word for God s Children Children ages 3 7 are invited to the All Saints Room. They will return after the Sermon. We encourage at least one parent to be present. *Gospel Acclamation Alleluia WOV setting 5 *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. 7
Sermon Pr. Ric Elliott *Hymn of the Day You Are Mine ELW Hymn 581 *Sacrament of Holy Baptism Presentation We enter the Christian community in and through baptism. We are human, sin and fall short of all that God hopes we will be and all that the world needs us to be. God is a forgiving God who draws us into the cleansing baptismal water with Christ. With the water and the Word, the Spirit blows into us and we become a beloved child of God. Our baptism is followed by a lifelong journey of being nurtured and formed by the Word as taught through our family, affirmed by us, and experienced in and through the presence of Christ in worship, water, Word, wine, bread, and prayer. In our baptism, we are called to the mission of Christ, to be disciples in our daily lives for the sake of the world. Trusting in the grace and love of God, Colin and Jamie, do you desire to have Addison baptized? Response: We do. Jamie and Colin, as you present Addison to receive the gift of baptism, we are entrusted with these responsibilities: + to live with her among God's faithful people, + bring her to the word of God and the holy supper, + teach her the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, + place in her hands the holy scriptures, + and nurture her in faith and prayer, 8
+ so that Addison may learn to trust God, + proclaim Christ through word and deed, + care for others and the world God made, + and work for justice and peace. Colin and Jamie, do you promise to help Addison grow in the Christian faith and life? Response: We do. Jennifer, as Addison s Godparent, do you promise to nurture her in the Christian faith as you are empowered by God s Spirit, and to help her live into the promises of baptism and to stay connected with the body of Christ in a faith community? Response: I do. People of God, do you promise to support, nurture, teach, pray and welcome Addison in her new life in Christ? We do. Affirmation of Faith Jamie, Colin, and Jennifer, I ask you to reject sin, affirm your faith in Christ, and proclaim the faith of the church. Do you reject the devil and all the forces that defy God, the powers of this world that rebel against God, and the ways of sin that draw you from God? Response: We do. With the whole church, let us confess our faith, the faith in which we baptize. People of God, do you believe in God the Father? Yes, I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? Yes, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 9
Baptism The assembly is seated. We give you thanks, God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and you created the world by your Word, calling forth life. Send your Holy Spirit into this water and on all who are washed in it, that they may be given new life. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Addison Lee Caverly, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us pray. Sustain Addison with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen. Addison, child of God, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen. Addison, child of God, you are clothed in Christ. All who are baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Amen. Welcome A: Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Let us welcome the newly baptized. We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God, as we bear God's creative and renewing Word to all the world. Baptismal Song Lord, Be Glorified ELW Hymn 744 10
*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. *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 In the Valley Flows a River Nolan Adult Choir 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, 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. Offering Prayer Let us pray. Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. Receive the gifts we bring, our selves, our time, and our possessions. Through this meal unite us as your body, shining with the light of your justice and mercy; for the sake of him who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 11
Meal *Great Thanksgiving 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 and join their unending hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy WOV setting 5 12
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. 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. To facilitate flow, the ushers invite the side sections, the front few rows and then the back rows. 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 13
all may freely receive and is served by common or individual cup. 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. Communion Songs The assembly sings of the light of the world. Lamb of God WOV setting 5 Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters ELW Hymn 445 This Is the Spirit s Entry Now ELW Hymn 448 *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. 14
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 We Know That Christ Is Raised ELW Hymn 449 *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. 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. 15
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