January 8th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Possibilities Unfolding |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Possibilities Unfolding
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
[Reading above - Matthew 3:13-17]
The gospel lection for the first Sunday after Epiphany is always the story of Jesus’ baptism. It may seem strange to go from the birth of Jesus to his baptism as an adult. We might like to know more about Jesus’ childhood and adolescence but there is only one story of Jesus as a twelve-year-old in Luke 2:41- 51. Remember, the gospels are not biographies of Jesus. The gospels are a literary genre of good news meant to inspire readers to become disciples/students/followers of Jesus. Matthew’s telling of the baptism is distinctive in two ways. First, in a dialogue between John and Jesus the purpose of the baptism is clarified. Jesus is to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Righteousness is an important characteristic of Jesus as recorded by Matthew. The seven times this word is used makes clear that righteousness is obedience to the will of God by fulfilling God’s commands. Jesus is baptized to reveal his messiahship is defined by obedience to God. Second, in Matthew the voice of God is not just heard by Jesus but is a public proclamation. This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew includes us in the epiphany of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
You might enjoy reading the occurrences in Matthew’s gospel of the word righteousness: 3:15; 5:6, 10, 20; 6:1, 33; and 21:32. How does Jesus demonstrate righteousness as obedience to God’s will? In what ways are you righteous?
The other accounts of the baptism of Jesus suggest that only Jesus hears the Divine voice, saying, You are my son. Matthew includes us in the epiphany with the words, This is my son. Why is this difference important? How do you publicly proclaim the identity of Jesus?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
If you have been baptized, talk about the event with someone who may have been present. Share what baptism means to you and how it relates to Jesus’ baptism.
If you have not been baptized, consider undergoing this sacrament. Talk to me or Pastor Sarah more about the meaning of baptism and why it would be helpful to your spiritual journey.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
