SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY JANUARY 10, 2016 BAPTISM OF THE LORD GATHERING AROUND THE WORD 11:00 AM RINGING OF THE BELL OPENING VOLUNTARY THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST RACHEL ADAMS MIKAYLA DODGE, SOPRANO; ZACH DODGE, BARITONE; JUDITH BROWN, PIANO Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form, like a dove. And a voice came down from heaven, "You are my Son, the beloved; With you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22) WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. CAROLINE KELLY CHORAL INTROIT SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER HANSON PLACE THE SANCTUARY CHOIR Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod, With its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? Yes, we ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God. * CALL TO WORSHIP HANS KILLIUS From the north and south we come; from the east and west God calls us. Over the mighty waters, the Lord speaks: I have called you by name, you are mine. Let us worship God. * HYMN #484 OUT OF DEEP, UNORDERED WATER RUSTINGTON CALL TO CONFESSION CAROLINE KELLY PRAYER OF CONFESSION We are precious in your sight, yet we often forget that we are your beloved. We confess that our love is fickle and inconstant. We follow selfish goals and deny that our way of life harms others and hurts your world. We are sorry and we want to change. Create in us a clean heart, strengthen our resolve,
reconcile us one to another, and bless us with your peace (Time for silent reflection and prayer) KYRIE ELEISON #551 LORD, HAVE MERCY LAND OF REST Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us. WORDS OF ASSURANCE * RESPONSE #582 GLORY TO GOD, WHOSE GOODNESS SHINES ON ME GLORY TO GOD Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me, and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me, and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen. World without end, without end. Amen. World without end, without end. Amen. World without end, without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen. * PASSING OF THE PEACE The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. (Please greet one another with the peace of Christ.) PROCLAIMING THE WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION HANS KILLIUS OLD TESTAMENT READING ISAIAH 43:1-7 ANTHEM SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY ROBERT MACGIMSEY JUDITH BROWN, MEZZO-SOPRANO Sweet little Jesus boy They made you be born in a manger Sweet little holy Child We didn t know who you was. Didn t know you d come to save us, Lord, To take our sins away Our eyes was blind, we couldn t see; We didn t know who you was. Long time ago you was born Born in a manger, Lord, Sweet little Jesus boy The world treat you mean, Lord, Treat me mean, too, But that s how it is down here, We don t know who you is. You done told us how we is a-tryin Master you done showed us how Even when you s dyin
Just seems like we can t do right, Look how we treated you But please, Sir, forgive us, Lord, We didn t know it was you. Sweet little Jesus boy Born a long time ago Sweet little holy child We didn t know who you was. GOSPEL READING LUKE 3:15-22 SERMON RESPONDING TO THE WORD REV. CAROLINE KELLY * HYMN #749 COME! LIVE IN THE LIGHT! WE ARE CALLED RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS INVITATION AND SCRIPTURE SENTENCES PROFESSION OF FAITH APOSTLES CREED (Together) I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 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. 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. THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER CAROLINE KELLY * RESPONSE DOWN TO THE RIVER TO PRAY TRADITIONAL As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good old way And who shall wear the starry crown Good Lord, show me the way! O sisters let's go down, Let's go down, come on down, O brothers let's go down, Down in the river to pray.
(Following the response, all are invited to come forward to receive a pebble from the font as a reminder or in anticipation of your baptism.) RESPONSE (seated) As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good old way And who shall wear the robe and crown Good Lord, show me the way! O sisters let's go down, Let's go down, come on down, O brothers let's go down, Down in the river to pray. INVITATION TO OFFERING HANS KILLIUS MUSICAL OFFERING LOVE IS LITTLE TRADITIONAL SHAKER TUNE THE SANCTUARY CHOIR Love is little, love is low, love will make our spirits grow, Grow in peace, grow in light, love will do the thing that's right. Love is gentle, love is small, love will find the best of all, Find the peace, find the light, love will do the thing that's right. Love is silent, love is strong, love will sing a quiet song, Sing of peace, sing of light, love will do the thing that's right. Love is wonder, love is grace, love will bind all in its place; Bind the peace, bind the light, love will do the thing that's right. ARR. MARK SCHWEIZER * DOXOLOGY #606 PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW OLD HUNDREDTH Praise God, from whom all blessing flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. * OFFERTORY PRAYER SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS (Since our service is broadcast on the radio, please make sure you have permission to request prayer on behalf of another person.) PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, CONCLUDING WITH THE LORD S PRAYER 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 BEARING AND FOLLOWING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD * HYMN #488 I WAS THERE TO HEAR YOUR BORNING CRY WATERLIFE * CHARGE AND BENEDICTION CAROLINE KELLY * SUNG BENEDICTION #306 BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS DENNIS (Please join hands as we sing together.) Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. CLOSING VOLUNTARY IMPROVISATION ON WATERLIFE JUDITH BROWN, PIANO * When this symbol precedes an element of the service, please rise in body or spirit. Please join in reading or singing those parts of the service printed in bold. THIS MORNING S WORSHIP LEADERS Preacher...Rev. Caroline Kelly Liturgist...Rev. Hans Killius Director of Music /Pianist...Judith Brown Musicians...The Sanctuary Choir Sound Technician...Joe Aurigemma Ushers... Barbara Leasure and John Mullan Thank you to this morning s acolyte and bell ringer. WORSHIP NOTES On Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we mark the beginning of Jesus public ministry in his baptism. Consequently, this is also an occasion to celebrate our own baptism as well. Baptism joins us to Christ and his church, and with all the baptized we are called to share in Jesus ministry. We will renew (or anticipate, in the case of those who are not baptized) our baptismal vows and come forward to receive a pebble as a reminder of or in anticipation of your baptism. While it is hard to pinpoint the exact origins of the song, Down to the River to Pray has been referred to as a hymn, a spiritual and an Appalachian song. Some believe it was a Native American Tribal song that was adapted to include Christian lyrics. It is attributed to George H. Allan in the Slave Songbook of 1867, and Alison Krauss popularized it in the 2000 film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? The song also is known by alternate titles such as Down in the Valley to Pray, Come, Let Us All Go Down and The Good Old Way. We will sing it today in connection with the renewal of our baptismal vows. Something to Ponder this Week: Martin Luther, the great Reformation leader, passionately reminded people to "Remember your baptism!" Many (but certainly not all) of us were baptized as babies and can't "remember" our baptisms, of course. But I think Luther meant something bigger than our historical memory of one day. And I have a feeling he wasn't just talking about dressing up in a pretty white dress or suit, having a party and, if we're a baby, everyone saying how sweet we look. In his catechism, Luther wrote, "A truly Christian life is nothing else than a daily baptism once begun and ever to be continued." I think Martin Luther wanted us to remember each day who we are, and whose we are, and how beloved we are. Even in an age when we spend so much time talking about "self-esteem," don't we still long to hear that we are beloved? -- from Weekly Seeds, a United Church of Christ resource for bible study, January 12, 2013.
MISSION STATEMENT Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we worship God and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors and promoting peacemaking, justice and care of the earth. VISION STATEMENT We strive to be a community grounded in the good news of God s love in Christ where all of God s children are: Welcomed and cherished Called to worship, learn and grow together in faith, and Sent to share God s love and justice with a broken and hurting world. GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Adopted by the Session on September 17, 2015 WELCOME VISITORS: We are glad you found your way to First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland. For more information about opportunities to worship, learn and serve with us, we encourage you to visit the table outside the church office. You can also learn more about us at www.fpc-cumberland.org and www.facebook.com/first.pres.cumberland. Childcare is provided in the nursery. An usher will be glad to direct you there. FRIENDSHIP PADS: Please locate and sign the red pad in your pew, tear off the sheet and place it in the collection plate during the offering. This important practice allows us to be mindful of new folks and long-time members as well, and is a good way to learn (or remember) the names of those with whom you are seated. PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICES: (amplifiers) are available in the back of the church for use during worship. Please see an usher for assistance. WORSHIP BROADCASTS: Our worship services are broadcast live on Sunday mornings by WCBC AM Radio, thanks to the generosity of members and friends. You can sponsor a broadcast (or share a sponsorship with someone) for $75. If you are interested, please contact Deb Hendrickson or the church office. This morning s broadcast is made possible by the generosity of the Juanita Fix! There are openings to sponsor the radio broadcast on February 21 and 28. SANCTUARY FLOWERS: The flowers in the sanctuary this morning are given to the Glory of God in loving memory of Art and Jean Ennis, Al and Anna May Kazary, and Lee Ennis Rosenblath, by Bob and Sharon Kazary. There are openings for flowers on January 17 and 24. Please contact Michael Levitas or the church office if you would like to sponsor flowers. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS WORK NIGHTS: The Buildings & Grounds Committee will be hosting work nights every Tuesday from 6:30PM-8:30PM for the next 12 weeks beginning next Tuesday, January 12 th. Task will include some painting and cleaning. Please come out and help in the improvement and maintenance of our church. ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE ANNUAL GIVING YEAR-TO-DATE: as of December 27, 2015 Total 2015 Pledges Promised $249,144.74 Pre-paid pledges $ 28,424.74 2015 Pledge Balance Promised $220,720.00 Pledge Balance Received Year-to-Date $213,899.00 Pledge Balance Promised Year-to-Date $216,555.00 Over/(Under) $ (2,656.00)
SUNDAY ATTENDANCE January 4, 2015 January 3, 2016 68 59 OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2016 are now available on the table in the back of the sanctuary. If you do not see a box with your name on it, please contact the church office. PLEDGE CARDS FOR 2016 are available in the pews and extras can be found in the back of the sanctuary. Envelopes are provided and you can place your pledge in the offering plate, or in the church office. If you need a pledge card mailed to you, please call Brittany Jackson at 301-777-3700. ANNUAL REPORT ASSEMBLY: Annual Reports will be printed and assembled on Friday, January 15 th at 2PM. If you are able to come and help with this process it would be greatly appreciated. WORSHIP AND MUSIC CONVERSATION ABOUT COMMUNION- SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7: During the summer of 2014, the Worship and Music Committee decided to change our primary means of serving communion from seated to intinction. Since then the Committee has supported several initiatives for the congregation to learn more about the history and meaning of the sacrament and how it has changed over the years, including a joint Lenten series with the other Washington Street churches and occasional notes in the worship bulletin. In hopes of learning from one another and gaining a fuller understanding and appreciation for this sacrament, the Worship and Music Committee invites you to join us for a conversation after worship on Sunday, February 7. We will gather around the communion table for 30-45 minutes to share our own experiences of communion and to learn more about the rich variety of meanings associated with it. CONGREGATIONAL CARE & OUTREACH HOMEBOUND TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE: Bryan Wodaski and Rolfe Singerman have volunteered to assist any homebound church members with transportation. If you are in need of a ride to a doctor s appointment or to the store please contact the church office at 301-777-3700 to arrange transportation. MISSION IT S COMING! The Dakota Soup Sale will be on Sunday, January 31st after worship. Order forms are included in today s bulletin. Please order by January 24 th. NEW PRESBYTERY PARTNERSHIP WITH GUATEMALA: Please join Sandi Rowland, Mission Committee Co-Chair, in the parlor on Wednesday, January 13th at 7:00 PM for an information session about the new partnership between the Baltimore Presbytery and CEDEPCA in Guatemala. We will be joined online with other participating churches in the Presbytery. Come learn about Guatemala, our new partners CEDEPCA, and the upcoming trip to Guatemala in April. For more information please see Sandi Rowland.
Your Answer to. What s For Dinner? First Presbyterian Church is selling homemade soup and rolls to help fund the 7 th Annual Mission Trip to South Dakota. Will you please consider buying some? Name: Phone: # of Quarts X $9 # of Pints X $5 Total $ Owed Beef Stew White Chicken Chili Traditional Red Chili Chicken Corn Chowder Vegetarian Vegetable Soup TOTAL Please pay for and pick up your soups, chili, and stews on Sunday, January 31 st after church. Make checks payable to: First Presbyterian Church and write Dakota on the memo line. Please place your order by Sunday, January 24 th, 2016. Like us on Facebook! http://wwwfacebook.com/first.pres.cumberland