Morning Praise (9:45 am) "Indescribable"
Video "The Place of Prayer"
*Hymn "I will praise you in this storm"
2wrapped in light as with a garment.
35cBless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!
Of course, the truth is that none of us are really able, of our own strength, to live out what baptism requires of us. That's why we pray for the higher power of God to step with us out of the water, the very presence of the Holy Spirit to accompany our journey as we seek to follow Jesus on the Kingdom of God path. Furthermore, we need other believers to walk with us along the way, that we might together be that peculiar entity called, "the church." Trying to get to the head of the line, seeking to sit at the most important spot, is not a good recipe for living together as the body of Christ. Ask those two sons of Zebedee, who learned this lesson the hard way.
Anyway, this morning it is our joy to welcome into our fellowship three persons who have already been walking with us, but now wish to make that "official." One comes to us from another church, and will be reaffirming her baptismal vows. Two have requested to be baptized. Robin, Laurie, and Tony, would you come forward, along with those who will introduce you to us?
In the presence of God and this congregation, let me ask you the following questions. These are not the sum total of faith, but point us in the right direction. All three of you will answer the first three of these questions. For you, Robin, this is a reaffirmation. You're not starting all over again, but turning the page on a new chapter of your life in Christ. Laurie and Tony, even though you were baptized as infants and confirmed that faith as youngsters, you are hereby freely choosing to be baptized as adults – an outward symbol of an inward transformation.
Do you repent of your sins and confess and accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
Do you promise to live in keeping with the teachings and spirit of the New Testament?
Do you promise to be a faithful member of the church, the body of Christ?
In a moment, the rest of you will read through an affirmation of faith as we prepare for baptism. For now, however, if you are willing to fully receive these person into this household of faith, to love and care for them as they are in the eyes of God – not as how you think they should be, to open up space for the unique gifts with which God has already or will empower them for the upbuilding of this body, and to simply enjoy their friendship in Christ, would you say, "Yes, we will." Thank you.
As they go to prepare for baptism, I invite you to join with me in reading together an ancient hymn known as the "Breastplate of St. Patrick." The words, which will be projected upon the screen, are an affirmation of faith. Legend says that Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century A.D., sang this hymn when he was threatened by a Druid king. With this affirmation of faith, we are remembering that in baptism we are bound to God in Jesus Christ. Let's join our voices with these ancient words.
This version of the prayer is taken from our hymnal.
#441, "I bind unto myself today" and 442, "Christ be with me."
The latter, though a separate hymn, is the 5th verse of the first hymn.
who renews and empowers you.
God of all people, we ask your blessing upon (name) who has come seeking love, acceptance, and new life as a member of the body of Christ. May (she/he) feel the warmth of your loving embrace, now and always. May (she/he) walk boldly the paths of faith paved by your forgiveness, your wholeness. May (she/he) know constant renewal of this fragile faith, upheld by that power which comes only from your presence within. Pour out your Spirit upon all gathered here, and especially on (name) , reborn this day into the body of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
An important ministry of any church is intercessory prayer. This is an intentional, specific lifting up of persons with specific needs to the One who is the source of their strength. It is something that, as followers of Jesus Christ, all of us can do. In this church, we regularly re-form our "prayer chain," the means by which we are made aware – through a phone call or an email - of persons in need of prayer. Now is the time to dedicate this ministry to a new year of service. If you have agreed to be a part of our prayer chain this year, by phone or email or both, would you please stand.
Thank you. You have heard the call to pray for others. May God honor this step of faith by increasing it. May it all be for His glory and our neighbor's good. May the power and effect of our prayer point beyond ourselves to the One who said "Come to me all who labor and are heavy-burdened, and I shall give you rest."
Divine Healer, you have called these persons to a special task. Empower them with your Spirit to be intercessors in Jesus' name. We trust in this Spirit who, as the apostle Paul wrote, "helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words." (Romans 8:26) We commit these persons to your service, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Ushers, would you come and serve by receiving our offerings?