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PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
RINGING OF THE BELL
Please stand as you are able.
GATHERING HYMN “This is Amazing Grace”
Words and music by Phil Wickham, Jeremy Riddle and Josh Farro. © 2013 Phil Wickham Music| Seems Like Music | Sing My Songs | Bethel Music Publishing | WC Music Corp. Used by permission. CCLI License # 2561118
SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
Candidates for Baptism, Hadley, Charlotte and Evelyn Hudson; parents and
sponsors gather with the ministers at the front. The assembly may be seated.
God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. . . Today we remember and rejoice in the promises of baptism.
The minister addresses the parents and sponsors followed by the congregation.
People of God, do you promise to support Hadley, Charlotte and Evelyn and pray for them in their new life in Christ?
We do.
Then, I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus reject sin and confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
I renounce them.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pon-tius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Children are invited to come forward to view the baptism.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood, you delivered Noah and his family, and through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into free-dom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By the baptism of Jesus’ death and resurrection you set us free from the power of sin and death and raise us up to live in you. Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, upon Hadley, Charlotte and Evelyn as they are washed in the waters of baptism they may be given new life. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen
BAPTISM
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share. Join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.
BAPTISMAL HYMN “Remember and Rejoice” vs. 1-2, 4 Hymn #454
GREETING
The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O God, our leader and guide, in the waters of baptism you bring us to new birth to live as your children. Strengthen our faith in your promises, that by your Spirit we may lift up your life to all the world through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.
WORD
FIRST READING Genesis 12:1-4a
God’s call of Abram and Sarai has a clear purpose—that through them all the families of the earth would gain a blessing. As they set out on their jour-ney, they are accompanied by promises of land, nation, and a great reputa-tion.
1 The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4a So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM Psalm 121 “ I Lift My Eyes to the Hills”
“I lift my eyes to the hills” - Words and Music by Ellie Holcomb and Julie Melucci Odnoralov. © Capitol CMG Genesis | Full Heart Music |
Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Used by permission. CCLI License # 2561118
SECOND READING Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
In the person and example of Abraham we discover that a right relationship with God does not involve earning a reward from God but entails trusting God’s promises. Abraham is the forebear and model for both Jews and Gentiles, because we too trust that ours is a God who gives life to the dead.
1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the un-godly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. 13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abra-ham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. 16 For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Gospel: John 3:1-17
The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
A curious Pharisee visits Jesus by night to learn from the teacher his friends reject. Jesus speaks to him about life in the Spirit and the kingdom of God.
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know
that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that every-one who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Chris Steubing
HYMN OF THE DAY “Come to the Water of Life”
THE PRAYERS
...Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
SHARING THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Let us share the peace with one another.
OFFERING
OFFERING MUSIC “God Loved the World” Choir
Please stand as you are able at the offering is brought forward.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
MEAL
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise. . . We praise your name and join their unending hymn:
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
With this bread and cup we remember our Lord’s Passover from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith;
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the table. Feast on God’s goodness and mercy.
Communion Distribution---All are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the Lord's table. If you'd like to receive a blessing instead, you may simply come forward and cross your arms over your chest. If you are unable to come forward, please notify an usher and we will bring the sacrament to you. The communion cups contain wine (red) or grape juice (white). Gluten-free wafers are available upon request.
Communion Hymns
Hymn #325 “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”
Hymn #631 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
POST COMMUNION BLESSING
Please stand as you are able.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray. God of our salvation, we give you thanks for this meal that restores our souls, reconciles us to you, and strengthens us for the journey. Through the body and blood of your Son, may we become Christ’s body in the world, bearing witness to your love for all creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Receive the blessing of the holy Trinity: God, who calls all things into exis-tence, Jesus Christ, who redeems us, and the Holy Spirit, whose breath sustains creation, bless you now and always.
SENDING HYMN “Jesus Loves Me” Hymn #595
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Believe the good news. Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Our staff and worship leaders today:
Pastor—Rev. Chris Steubing
Visitation Pastor—Rev. Judi Miller
Communion Assistants—
Our Reader—Kamryn Prater
Our Liturgist—Ken Kleid
Organist—Jimmy Cheung
Choir and Hand Bell Director—Wendy Kuenemann