THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT CALDWELL

 

Our Purpose:

To help all people build life-transforming relationships with God and each other.

 

The members and friends of FPC welcome people from all backgrounds - - people of faith from throughout the world, people who profess no faith, Christians of all denominations and those who are searching for religious and spiritual meaning.

Welcome!

 

January 11, 2014

Ten o’clock

Baptism of the Lord

 

GATHERING

 

REFLECTION

Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ. Jesus in his own baptism was attested Son by the Father and was anointed with the Holy Spirit to undertake the way of the servant manifested in his sufferings, death, and resurrection (W-2.3001). The Baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims all people before they are able to respond in faith (W-2.3008b).

Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order 

 

PRELUDE

A Gospel Prelude

Charles Callahan

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

The God of New Beginnings has called us to this place.

We come celebrating the new life that is ours as God's faithful people.

Let your joy ring through the universe, and let your vision see to the depths of every soul.

We will be shouters of joy and seekers of God's light wherever we go.

ALL: Praise God for this day! 

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

*HYMN NO. 664

“Morning Has Broken”

BUNESSAN

Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Alexis Chiappetta.

 

CONFESSION

     CORPORATE CONFESSION

We try to stop Jesus from coming into our lives, Patient God, for we know how disruptive he can be. He wants us to preach the gospel with our lives, but we prefer to complain how hard that is to do. He wants us to do what is right, yet wrong-doing comes so easily for us. He would like us not to give up until justice is done, but we just don't seem to have the time. We confess because we know we need to be forgiven by you, God of glory and grace. Bathe us in the life giving waters of your mercy so we can come up from the water, ready to do good for others, to give you all the praise, to learn justice, grace, and hope from your Servant, Jesus Christ.

 

PERSONAL CONFESSION

In whose name we pray.

Amen.

 

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

...Friends, believe the good news.

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

 

*RESPONSE OF PRAISE NO. 155

“Raise a Song of Gladness”

JUBILATE DEO

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth. Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart. Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart! Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart! (2x) 

 

PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING

 

 ANTHEM

The Star That Shone on Bethlehem”

Arr. Larry Shackley

Chancel Choir

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

Please note: Children through 7th grade may leave the sanctuary for Sunday School following the Time with the Children. Please exit through the doors on either side of the Choir loft.

 

PARISH LIFE

 

Members, friends and visitors, please sign the Friendship Pad in each pew and pass it to the person next to you. The last person will pass the pad back to the first person, who will then please place the sheet in the offering plate. Worshipers are invited to use the cards in the pew racks for prayer requests so we may share one another’s joys and concerns. The ushers will collect the cards during the hymn following the sermon and they will be offered during the Prayers of the People. 

 

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

We welcome into the family of God through baptism Brian Hardison Guinn-Bailey, son of Troy and Sara Guinn-Bailey, born on August 4, 2014. Assisting in the baptism today is Elder Rey Mercado.

 

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed (ecum)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 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 Pontius 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. 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. Amen.

 

*HYMN NO. 487

“These Treasured Children”

PUER NOBIS NASCITUR

 

SCRIPTURE

Mark 1:4-11

Pages 32-33, NT

 

SERMON

“Message Received?”

Dr. Sommers

 

*HYMN NO. 292

“As the Wind Song”

WAIRUA TAPU

(During the hymn, those who desire may come forward and dip their finger in the water of the baptismal font, the water of new life)

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

OFFERING

OFFERTORY

“A Chorale Prelude for the New Year”

J.S. BACH (1685-1750)

 

*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING NO. 607

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all creatures here below;

Praise Holy Spirit ever more;

Praise Triune God, whom we adore.

Amen

 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

GOING FORTH

 

*BENEDICTION 

 

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE NO. 175

“Seek Ye First”

 LAFFERTY

Seek ye first the kingdom of God And its righteousness,

And all these things shall be added unto you, Allelu, alleluia!

 

*THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Please exchange greetings of welcome and peace with your neighbor.

 

*Please rise in body or in spirit

 

†If you are new to our church...Welcome! We’re glad to have you here. Please ask an usher to direct you to Visitor packets at the rear of the church. They can be found on the table near the usher’s closet under the balcony stairs. After the 10:00 service today, we hope you will join us for Coffee Hour in Room 120.

 

†The flowers this morning, are given to the glory of God in memory of…

...our parents by Richard and Edna Rose.

 

† Your prayers of intercession are requested for those members and friends known to be currently or recently hospitalized or who continue to need our prayers and support:

...Harry Coppens, Bill Hayden, Ruth Hults, Edith Jipp, Roger Jones, Alex Lopus, Olga Muller, Marilyn O’Connell, Barbara Piggery, Louise Ritscher, Laura Winter and Clarence and Helena Wispelwey. The church office will be happy to verify their home addresses for you should you wish to send them words of encouragement or get well wishes.

 

† It is easy to join our mailing list! Just text FPC to 42828 and follow the prompt to send your e-mail address by text message.

 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

AT CALDWELL

326 Bloomfield Avenue

Caldwell, New Jersey 07006

973-228-0310

www.firstprescaldwell.org