St. Andrew’s United Church – Eston DLM – Barb MacNaughton (phone: 962-3656, cell: 583-9040) Organist – Doris Etter Pianist – Brenda Ormsby Choir Director – Ed Jackson Ministry – The Whole Congregation Sunday January 11, 2015 ~ Baptism of the Lord The Community Gathers Welcome and Announcements Lighting the Christ Candle: ~We light this flame to affirm that new light is always waiting to break through the shadows to lighten our ways and to bring rich possibilities to our living. ♫Introit♫: First-born of Mary #110 (More Voices) x3 First-born of Mary, provocative preacher, itinerant teacher, outsider’s choice; Jesus inspires and disarms and confuses whoever he chooses to hear his voice. Gathering Words: Come, listen and ready yourself for renewal. We have come to a crossroad and we must choose. Come everyone, we are being called to change. Come to the water and get ready to find a new purpose in life. Come to the edge and answer the call. God calls our name and we answer in love. In love, we are made one; in water, we are bound together; in grace, we are renewed. So may we celebrate our belonging, and hear again in the story of Jesus – a call for us to follow. Amen. Passing the Peace No matter who you are or where you are on Life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place. So let us greet one another as a sign of God’s peace…the peace and presence of God is here…to stay. Thanks be to God. You are invited to share the peace with your neighbours. ♫Hymn♫: Out of Deep, Unordered Water #453 Theme time for Children of all ages ♫Hymn♫: I Have Called You by Your Name #161 (More Voices) The Community Explores Prayer of Illumination: Until we can see ourselves in the words we read and the stories we hear, it is easy to remark on the rest of the world. May the light of these words fall strong upon each of us, that we can find the truth they reveal in our own hearts this day. With courage, we pray. Amen. Scriptures: Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Page 756 Mark 1: 4-11 Message Renewal of Baptismal Faith Anthem: The Community Celebrates Minute for Mission ♫ Offertory Hymn♫ “What Can I Do” #191 (More Voices)x2 What can I do? What can I bring? What can I say? What can I sing? I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer. I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share. Offering Prayer: As the Spirit hovered over the waters on the first day of creation, and as that same Spirit descended on the day Jesus was baptized, may the Spirit be present in these gifts that are given here today, so that goodness might continue to be known in the world. Amen. Lighting the candle of caring: In caring for one another May we be untiring. In sheltering one another May we be strong. In holding one another May we be tender. And so we take this flame and light our special care candle. In all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindful of the present-ness of God among us. Prayers for the People & Lord’s Prayer ♫Hymn♫: Spirit, Open My Heart #79 (More Voices) The Community Goes Forth ♫ Strathdee Choral Amen #974 (x3) License #605751 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Session meeting on Tuesday January 13th at 7:30 p.m. The M & P committee is responsible for the month of January. Remember it is that time of year for Annual Committee reports. Thank you!! *Lodge service on Wednesday January 14th at 3:30 p.m. Please note the change from Thursdays to Wednesdays.