We have been claimed by the God who calls us children.
We, the redeemed, have been called by name.
As with the Israelites, God promises to pass with us through the water.
We will not fear, for God is with us!
The rivers shall not overwhelm us for God is our guide and our protector.
Through God’s saving grace, the waters that tested us
are now the waters that wash us and nourish us.
Great is the Fount of Every Blessing,
ever flowing, ever redeeming, ever claiming us as God’s children.
Come, let us worship the God who washes us in grace.
Baptism of the Lord
Hymn: Thus Says the Lord, Our God
Below is a hymn that I recently composed that was inspired by the words of Isaiah 43:1-7, the Old Testament lectionary text for Baptism of the Lord Sunday (Year C) – January 10th, 2016.
It is dedicated to my dear friend, Rev. Joseph Taber, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Lowell, North Carolina on the event of his 29th birthday.
It is sung to the tune, ENGELBERG, (10.10.10.4) which is commonly used to sing the hymn “We Know That Christ is Raised.”
Submitted by Rev. Stephen M Fearing, Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, NY. Permission is given for congregational use–please do not remove copyright information.
dedication: every good thing
We praise you, O Lord, and everything in us proclaims your holy name. You have forgiven our sin, healed our brokenness, and redeemed us from the power of death. You satisfy us with every good thing. We celebrate your goodness in the sacrament of this meal, and we respond with gratitude through the gifts we present. Receive our offerings and our discipleship with your blessing, and lead us as we serve you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
dedication: surpassing gift
Almighty God, we give thanks for the surpassing gift of your Beloved, the Christ. As we welcome him again into our lives, we commit ourselves to the work of his kingdom. Receive the gifts we offer as signs of our commitment to live according to Jesus’ good news, by which we are redeemed. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
benediction: delight God’s heart
Servants of God, who delight God’s heart,
go forth by the power of the Holy Spirit
to do justice, strengthen the weak, and free those in bondage.
Go forth as ministers of the covenant
made for us in Jesus Christ.
Go forth in the hope of the new dawn,
shining in God’s light.
As you go forth,
may the hope of Christ’s coming,
the power of the Spirit’s presence,
and the glory of God’s kingdom
be with you always. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Marion, IA
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