Description

Mark 1:4-11

The baptism of our Lord Jesus is a beautiful reminder that He is fully God and fully man.  The physical act of baptism with water by John was paired with the spiritual picture of the Holy Spirit descending upon the Son of Man and a voice from Heaven declaring the authority of Christ the Son.  The baptism of our Lord marked the beginning of a new journey for mankind.  It allowed us to also be baptized as Christ modeled, dying to sin and raising to new life in Him.

 

… We Lift Our Hearts in Worship …

 

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

 

Time of Praise and Worship

Holy Spirit, Rain Down

Russell Frager, ©1997 Hillsong Publishing (Admin in U.S. by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)

My Lighthouse

Rend Collective, © 2013 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Spirit of the Living God

Daniel Iverson, ©1935. Renewed 1963 Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)

 

[Traditional Options]

To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord

LBW 79; LSB 406/407; LW 223

All Who Believe and Are Baptized

EH 298; ELW 442; LBW194; LSB 601; LW 225

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise                             

EH 135; ELW 310; LBW 90; LSB 394; LW 88; RS 529; WC 190; WAR


Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme

 

Pastor              It’s a new day! A new beginning is given us through Christ Jesus.

ALL                  A new beginning, indeed. 

Pastor              Thanks be to God!

 

Opening Prayer

 

Pastor              Heavenly Father, we are in awe of your majestic plan for humanity.  Your love for us abounds deeper than the ocean and                                 your grace heals the deepest wound.  Through baptism, we experience unity with your Son.  The life you give is eternal                                    and good just like your plan.  As we continue this journey with you, fill us with your love and grace. 

ALL                  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 

Time of Greeting 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message]

 

Pastor              Lord, when this earth was created, you called it good.  But humanity sinned and what

once was good was stained with death.

ALL                  But Jesus Christ brought us true life!

Pastor             Through His powerful death and resurrection, the Son of God paved the way for us to be

set free from sin and death.

ALL                  We died with Christ and therefore have also been resurrected into eternal life with

                          Him.   

Pastor             We confess that although we are free from sin, we still fall short of the glory of God.  We

forget how good is the path of God.

ALL                  We confess and through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.  Sin has no hold on us!

 

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

 

First Reading                                  Genesis 1:1-5

The first day of creation began with the holy words spoken by Creator God, “Let there be light.”  The darkness retreated as the light shone brilliantly and pleased Father God who called His work good.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.