# Baptism of the Lord ## *Please stand in body or in spirit* ### **Gathering Song** "This is the Day" ### **Unison Welcome** "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." ### **Announcements** ### **Passing of the Peace** - **Leader:** "The peace of Christ be with you." - **Response:** "And also with you." ### **Chiming of the Trinity** ### **Prelude** ### **Call to Worship** *From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* - The voice of God resounds upon the waters. - The Spirit of the Lord hovers over the stream. - The Son of God is named, "Beloved." - And all who worship shout out, "Glory!" - Ascribe to the Lord majesty and strength. - Let us worship God in holy splendor. --- ## **Hymn** ### #319 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" **Lyrics:** 1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation! All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near; Join me in glad adoration! 2. Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth, Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth! Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been Granted in what He ordaineth? 3. Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee; Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, If with His love He befriend thee. 4. Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him. Let the Amen sound from His people again; Gladly for aye we adore Him. *Words:* Joachim Neander (1680); *Music:* Stralsund Gesangbuch (1665) --- ## **Call to Confession** *From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* God loves us and calls us each by name. Knowing we are eternally forgiven and infinitely loved, let us boldly confess our sins before God. ## **Prayer of Confession** *From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* 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. Amen. ### **Kyrie** Hymnal Companion C-4 ### **Assurance of Forgiveness** *From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* Beloved, God forgives your sins; know that you are pardoned and be at peace to love the Lord and serve the world. ### **Glory Be to the Father** #704 --- ## **Scripture Reading** ### Isaiah 43:1-7 **Text (NRSVUE):** 1. But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6. I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7. everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” --- ## **Responsive Reading** *"The Baptism of Christ" by Malcolm Guite* > Beginning here we glimpse the Three-in-one; > The river runs, the clouds are torn apart, > The Father speaks, the Spirit and the Son > Reveal to us the single loving heart > That beats behind the being of all things > And calls and keeps and kindles us to light. > The dove descends, the spirit soars and sings, > "You are beloved, you are my delight!" > In that swift light and life, as water spills > And streams around the Man like quickening rain, > The voice that made the universe reveals > The God in Man who makes it new again. > He calls us too, to step into that river, > To die and rise and live and love forever. --- ## **Anthem** ## **Children's Message** - *Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message.* --- ## **Scripture Reading** ### Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 **Text (NRSVUE):** **Verses 15-17** 15. As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16. John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” **Verses 21-22** 21. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22. and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” --- ## **Sermon** - **Preacher:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton --- ### **Scripture Readings** #### Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 - People were expectant, wondering if John might be the Christ. - **John’s Response:** - "I baptize with water, but one more powerful is coming." - Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. - Imagery: Sifting wheat from husks; burning the chaff with unquenchable fire. - **Jesus’ Baptism:** - Heaven opened as Jesus prayed. - The Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove. - A voice proclaimed: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in You, I find happiness.” #### Isaiah 43 (Selected Verses) - God’s assurance: - "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." - God’s presence through waters and fire. --- ### **Key Themes** #### 1. Baptism as Grace - A sacred, once-and-for-all sacrament. - Marks us as God’s beloved children, receiving the Holy Spirit. - “No earthly power can take that away.” #### 2. Fire in Scripture - Fire as both a guide and a purifier: - Old Testament: Fire leads (e.g., Exodus). - New Testament: Fire as the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. - Hymn reference: *How Firm a Foundation* (fiery trials as refinement). #### 3. The Surprise of Jesus’ Baptism - John’s expectation of judgment contrasts with the reality: - Spirit descended as a dove, symbolizing peace. - God’s proclamation: “With You, I am well pleased.” - Diana Butler Bass: No judgment or burning chaff—only love and assurance. #### 4. Fire as Transformation - Fire reveals truth but doesn’t destroy identity. - Baptism equips us to face challenges, grounded in God’s promises. - As God’s beloved, we are empowered to live with courage, grace, and love. --- ### **Practical Applications** #### Living Out Baptism - Embody grace, compassion, humility, and kindness. - Resist hatred, violence, and greed. - Be peacemakers, dousing flames of destruction. #### Facing Life’s Challenges - Baptism reminds us we are not alone. - God’s promises give strength during trials. - Fire and water transform, bless, and refine us. #### Remembering Baptism - A continual source of identity and assurance. - Reflect on God’s grace to face life with confidence and faith. --- ### **Closing Reflection** - Baptism marks us as beloved and anchors us in grace. - Fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s power to refine and transform. - As baptized believers, we are called to: - Douse flames of destruction. - Ignite compassion, grace, and love. - Plant gardens of goodness and joy. - Baptism isn’t about judgment—it’s about love and grace. --- ## **Sermon Analysis** ### **🗒 Sermon Summary** - **Central Message:** Baptism is an act of grace, not judgment, marking us as beloved children of God. Through baptism, we are equipped to face life’s challenges with courage, compassion, and love, as God’s promises and presence guide us through both water and fire. - **Liturgical or Thematic Focus:** The sermon aligns with the themes of the **Baptism of the Lord Sunday**, emphasizing Jesus’ baptism as a moment of divine affirmation and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It ties the scripture to contemporary struggles (e.g., wildfires) and personal faith journeys. --- ### **🎙 Preaching Style** - **Style:** Expository with elements of narrative. - The preacher interpreted scripture while weaving personal anecdotes, hymn references, and theological reflections. - **Inclusivity:** - Diverse examples included family stories, biblical imagery, and contemporary events (e.g., Los Angeles wildfires), creating connections for various audiences. - The message centered on universal themes of grace, identity, and resilience, accessible to marginalized and underrepresented groups. - **Learning Accommodations:** - **Auditory Learners:** Rich storytelling and hymn lyrics supported understanding. - **Visual Learners:** While visuals weren’t explicitly mentioned, the vivid descriptions of fire, doves, and baptismal imagery painted mental pictures. - **Kinesthetic Learners:** The sermon invited reflection and action steps but lacked interactive engagement. --- ### **🗣 Intonation and Delivery** - **Vocal Delivery:** - Warm, inclusive tone with a clear emphasis on grace over judgment. - Effective variation in pace and tone to highlight key moments (e.g., God’s voice proclaiming Jesus as beloved). - **Engagement with Learning Preferences:** - The preacher’s emotional connection and dynamic voice supported auditory learners. - Gestures or physical cues weren’t explicitly noted but would have enhanced kinesthetic engagement. - **Overall Effectiveness:** - The tone was welcoming, offering assurance to those struggling with self-worth or life’s challenges. --- ### **📝 Content Structure** - **Organization:** - The sermon followed a clear structure: 1. Introduction with personal anecdotes. 2. Exploration of scripture (Luke and Isaiah). 3. Thematic development (fire as purification and grace). 4. Practical applications and closing reflection. - Smooth transitions linked biblical themes to contemporary events. - **Learning Support:** - Themes were repeated and reinforced (e.g., fire as both threat and purifier). - Use of hymns and scripture strengthened retention for auditory learners. --- ### **👥 Engagement and Application** - **Engagement with Marginalized Groups:** - The sermon addressed universal challenges like loss, fear, and identity, offering reassurance and inclusion. - Examples of grace and resilience (e.g., Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) transcended cultural and social divides. - **Practical Applications:** - Encouraged living out baptismal identity through: - Grace, compassion, humility, and kindness. - Resisting hatred, violence, and greed. - Being peacemakers and agents of love in the world. - The connection to wildfires highlighted environmental concerns and called for solidarity and care for creation. - **Interactive Elements:** - Reflection on baptismal identity provided personal engagement but lacked broader interactive components (e.g., discussion or tangible actions). --- ### **📖 Scripture Breakdown** - **Referenced Scriptures:** - **Luke 3:15-17, 21-22**: - Emphasized Jesus’ baptism as a moment of divine affirmation and transformation. - **Isaiah 43**: - Reassured God’s presence through water and fire, aligning with baptismal themes. - **Daniel 3:8-25**: - The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego surviving the fiery furnace highlighted God’s protection. - **Emphasis on Equity, Justice, and Inclusion:** - The message of baptism as grace affirmed everyone’s belovedness, transcending societal divisions. - Fire as a purifier and symbol of the Holy Spirit underscored transformation and justice. --- ### **🔍 Logical Reasoning** - **Strengths in Reasoning:** 1. **Sound Deductive Reasoning:** - Premise: Baptism marks us as beloved. - Conclusion: This identity equips us to live with courage and grace, supported by scripture and personal testimony. 2. **Causal Reasoning:** - Connection between God’s promises (Isaiah) and Jesus’ baptism (Luke) effectively showed the continuity of divine grace. 3. **Balanced View:** - The preacher acknowledged both the destructive and purifying aspects of fire, emphasizing its role as a transformative force. - **Areas for Improvement:** - Some analogies (e.g., fiery trials vs. contemporary wildfires) could be further nuanced to avoid oversimplification. - Greater engagement with opposing views (e.g., judgment-focused interpretations of Luke) would add depth. --- ### **📚 References** - **Theological Sources:** - Diana Butler Bass: Insight on baptism as divine affirmation rather than judgment. - Hymn: *How Firm a Foundation*, with its focus on fiery trials as refinement. - **Voices from Marginalized Communities:** - No explicit references to theologians or scholars from marginalized groups. --- ### **🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories** - **Impactful Quotes:** - "You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in You, I find happiness." - “Fire reveals truth but doesn’t destroy who we are.” - **Illustrative Stories:** - Personal anecdote of family baptisms connected the sacredness of the act to everyday life. - The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego underscored God’s presence through trials. - **Connections to Themes:** - Stories highlighted God’s grace and presence, linking biblical examples to modern experiences. --- ### **🔄 Calls to Action** - **Key Actions for the Congregation:** - Live out baptismal identity through love, grace, and humility. - Act as peacemakers, resisting hatred, greed, and violence. - Reflect on baptismal grace during life’s challenges. - **Alignment with Learning Needs:** - Verbal reminders and reflective prompts engaged auditory learners. - No explicit visual or interactive components for other learning styles. ## **Sharing of Joys and Concerns** ## **Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts)** ## **Invitation to Giving** ### **Offertory** ### **Offertory Response** #706 "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" ### **Prayer of Dedication** *From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* O God, at his baptism, you acknowledged Jesus as your beloved Son, and through the waters of baptism by the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. --- ## **Hymn** ### #152 "When Jesus Came to Jordan" **Lyrics:** 1. When Jesus came to Jordan to be baptized by John, He did not come for pardon but as the sinless one. He came to share repentance with all who mourn their sins, To speak the vital sentence with which good news begins. 2. He came to share temptation, our utmost woe and loss, For us and our salvation to die upon the cross. So when the Dove descended on Him, the Son of Man, The hidden years had ended, the age of grace began. 3. Come, Holy Spirit, aid us to keep the vows we make; This very day invade us, and every bondage break. Come, give our lives direction, the gift we covet most: To share the resurrection that leads to Pentecost. *Words:* Fred Pratt Green (1973); *Music:* William Walker’s Southern Harmony (1835) --- ## **Commission & Benediction** ## **Postlude** (*Seated*) --- ### **Additional Information** - **Nursery Nook in the Narthex**: Quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families during worship. - **Activity Bags**: Age-appropriate activity bags are available. ### **Birthdays This Week** - 1/14: Alan Young - 1/15: Erik Strunk - 1/18: Linda Barton & Jack Myers - 1/19: Alex Strunk --- ### **Worship Participants** - Pastor: Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - Organist: Barbara Motichka - Deacon in Charge: Sarah Myers - Lector: Henry Hopper - Children's Corner: Roxanne Davenport - Media Coordinators: Calvin Frantz and Ginny Cairns - Bulletin Cover: Edd Scheer --- ### **St. John's Vision** We are called to love, to learn, to worship, and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### **St. John's Mission** To grow in love of God and neighbor. ### **Worship Resources** - *Feasting on the Word Worship Companion*, edited by Kimberly Bracken Long - *"The Baptism of Christ"* poem by Malcolm Guite (accessed via [St. Paul's Cathedral](https://www.stpauls.co.uk/epiphany-poetry))