Rev Ed Sunday-Winters – Service
Hal Parker – Musical Director
Priscilla Bonney-Smith – Flowers
Sunday Service
“Baptism of the Lord
January 12, 2025
10:00am
Scripture Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Sermon: “The Beloved” by Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
*Hymn: #167 (New Century Hymnal) Mark How the Lamb of God’s Self-Offering
*Hymn: #270 (New Century Hymnal) Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
*Hymn: #293 (New Century Hymnal) Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Prelude: solo piano
Welcome & Announcements
Call to worship:
One: Come, beloved of God, to remember who you are and whose you are.
Many: God in Christ, has named us all “Beloved.”
One: Yes, here and now, God’s heaven of love is being poured out anew.
Many: May this motion of the Holy One, shape our hearts and minds.
One: May it brighten the Epiphany light in us and the whole creation.
Many: And may it shape our words and work into good news for the world!
Opening Prayer
*Gloria Patri #36
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Christ and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Hymn: #167 (New Century Hymnal) Mark How the Lamb of God’s Self-Offering
Scripture Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Hal Gray
Anthem: “Father in Heaven” by Lisa Clark and David von Kampen
Sermon: “The Beloved” by Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
A Time of Silence
Offertory
*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.
*Unison Prayer of Dedication
O Gracious God, we thank you for the invitation to grow through giving, made possible by Your outpouring spirit. May these gifts we bring be used to form ever-new blessings in this congregation and around the world. And may our lives be the instruments of love and joy you desire. Amen.
* Hymn: #270 (New Century Hymnal) Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.
*Hymn: #293 (New Century Hymnal) Sweet, Sweet Spirit
*Benediction
Songs of Spirit: #349 Go in Peace
Go now in Peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see,
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in Love. Amen
Postlude: solo organ
Our Church’s Wider Mission: In Our Church’s Wider Mission, we uplift the music and Advocacy in Sierra Leone. Music brings people together. The Youth Desk at the Council of Churches of Sierra Leone (CCSL), supported by Global Ministries, empowers children to express their challenges through music. In December, CCSL held meetings to create fine arts opportunities. One initiative teaches youth to play instruments and perform at events, enhancing their skills and fostering worship participation. Another meeting focused on collaboration with an advocacy group led by Pastor Emmanuel, addressing the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This group uses songs and plays to raise awareness of FGM’s health risks.