FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM JANUARY 7, 2018 Dorchester United Church
Wherever you are, whoever you are, Join us in our Journey!
WE GATHER TO PRAISE GOD
TO PONDER:
The One greater than John came to the Jordan and went under like the rest
as a sign of solidarity with the world. Is this the year for us to follow
Jesus as, we, too, go under.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
"Come Holy Spirit Dove Devine"
HYMN:
"New every morning" V.U. 405
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
God reigns over the waters.
God brings life out of the primeval waters.
God grants safe passage through troubled waters.
God heals and refreshes us with the waters of life. Let us worship God, the source of all life.
AN EPIPHANY PRAYER
V.U. 88
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
The light first came in a helpless infant.
It continues to shine among the weak and the vulnerable.
We light the candle that brings renewal to our world.
A PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Recalling that we, too, were baptized in the waters of new life, we
confess that we have not lived up to what we were called to be in the
Church and in the world. Forgive us for taking lightly the vows that
were made on our behalf.
Remind us, O God, that when we chose to follow You our lives were
forever changed. AMEN
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God knows how easy it is for us to forget in a world that worships other
gods. As we turn again to the One in whose presence we were washed clean,
we are made whole again.
HYMN
"When Jesus comes to be baptized " V.U. 100
SOLO
"Come Unto Him" Nancy Quinn
The Messiah by G.F. Handel
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
HYMN
"A Little Child the Saviour Came" V.U. 445 (1,2)
Statement of Purpose
Presentation of the Children to be baptized: Nevaeh Ellee Hyde Leila Jolene Lembirik
Commitment of the Parents
Commitment of the Congregation
We have heard the will of these parents. We receive their children in Christ's name, as we ourselves have been received. We all belong to the one household of faith in Jesus Christ.
Will you support these parents with constant love,
wholesome example, Christian teaching and faithful prayer?
We will, God being our helper. Prayer of Thanksgiving and Pouring of the Water
Gracious and Holy God, we bless You for the gift of
life, and within it, the gift of water. Over its unshaped
promise Your Spirit hovered at creation. By water comes the growth of the
earth. Through water, You
led the children of Israel to freedom. In the waters of the Jordan Your
Child was baptized. Now may Your Spirit be upon us and what we do, that
this water may be a sign for all of new life in Christ. In whose name we
pray. AMEN
HYMN
"A Little Child the Saviour Came" V.U. 445 (3,4)
The Action of Baptism in the Name of the Triune God
Presentation of a Candle lit from the Christ Candle Presentation of a Baptismal Certificate
RESPONSE: V.U. 400
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace
PASTORAL PRAYER
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION
HYMN: "
The First Nowell" V.U. 91
OFFERING INVITATION
SOLO
"The Holly and the Ivy" Nancy Quinn
Trad. English Carol
OFFERTORY RESPONSE:
For food in a world where many walk in hunger, for friends in a world where
many walk alone, for faith in a world where many walk in fear, we give you
thanks, O God. V.U. 552
OFFERTORY PRAYER: Above the noise of conflict, there is a song of
peace. Above the world's weeping, there is a song of hope. Above the
cries of hate, there is a song of love. Bless these gifts, O God, that
we, too, might be singers of Your song. AMEN
