Bethel Presbyterian Church
First Sunday after Epiphany
January 8, 2006
11:00 a.m.
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed;
the night is far gone, the day is near.
PRELUDE He is Born French Carol
CHORAL INTROIT Go Tell It on the Mountain Children’s Bell Choir
CALL TO WORSHIP
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due God’s name,
worship the Lord in holy splendor.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful,
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN #66 We Three Kings of Orient Are Three Kings of Orient
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
Almighty God, we come to you in prayer asking forgiveness for all that we have not done that we should have done and all that we have done that we should not have done. Forgive us our willingness to live in a rut, to be satisfied with how things have always been. Forgive us our inability to act for justice when we know your creation is being harmed. You who give breath and spirit to all of creation, You who claim us as your children through baptism, give us courage to throw open the windows to newness. Pour out your spirit upon us. In the name of the Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news in Christ is that when we face ourselves and God with the awareness of our need, we are given grace to grow, and courage to continue the journey.
Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Gloria Patri Hymn #578
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 1:1-5
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SESSION Building Options Frank Harris
GOSPEL READING Mark 1:4-11
SERMON Spiritual Resolution Rev. Marc Sherrod, ThD
*HYMN #376 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Hyfrydol
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Litany for Baptism of the Lord
O Christ, by your epiphany your light shines upon us, giving us the fullness of salvation. Help us show your light to all we meet today.
Lord, have mercy.
O Christ of glory, you humbled yourself to be baptized, showing us the way of humility. Strengthen us to serve you in humility all the days of our life.
Lord, have mercy.
O Christ, by your baptism you cleansed us from our sin, making us children of your Father. Give the grace of being a child of God to all who seek you.
Lord, have mercy.
O Christ, by your baptism you sanctified creation and opened the door of repentance to all who are baptized. Make us servants of your gospel in the world.
Lord, have mercy.
O Christ, by your baptism you revealed to us the glorious Trinity when the voice from heaven proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son," and the Holy Spirit descended upon you like a dove. Renew a heart of worship within all the baptized.
Lord, have mercy.
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
SHARING OF PRAYER CONCERNS
MINUTE FOR MISSION Gulf Coast Mission Trip Deborah Hyder
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY MUSIC Send the Light Gabriel
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Hymn #592
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN #422 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending Beach Spring
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Let There Be Peace on Earth
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me,
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now,
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!
*POSTLUDE O Come, All Ye Faithful Smith
