The Baptism of Our Lord - Online Worship - January 8, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The Baptism of Our Lord
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship - The Second Sunday After Epiphany
”A New Finding…Is Only The Beginning”
Sunday, January 15, 2023, 9:30am
Join us for our first Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Song of Hope & Grace
All Who Are Thirsty
Brown/Roberts
All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be wash’d away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep
We sing
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
(repeat entire song)
Trusting A New Epiphany in the Grace & Light of Baptism
based on Psalm 29
Friends, the mystery of Holy Baptism unites us and graces us! All who are thirsty; together, we see and celebrate in this new epiphany; baptism is only the beginning; so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Let us put our trust in the Lord for in water and Word he has made us heavenly beings. The Lord is our glory and strength. We glorify his name for he alone is holy.
The voice of the Lord moves over the waters, over God’s waters. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to trust God’s gifts given in Holy Baptism.
(silence for reflection)
Friends baptized in the same baptism as Jesus: Trust this epiphany in grace today is only the beginning to much more; Jesus saves, Jesus forgives you all your sins. Live anew! God’s cleansing waters flow, filling us with power, majesty, grace!
Song of Blessing
Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters
Duck
vs. 1
Wash O God our sons and daughters
Where your cleansing waters flow
Number them among your people
Bless as Christ blessed long ago
Weave them garments bright and sparkling
Compass them with love and light
Fill anoint them send your Spirit
Holy dove and heart’s delight
The voice of God flashes flames of fire, shaking the wilderness. The Lord’s voice in The Holy Spirit calls forth a new beginning in light and grace; glory to God in the highest!
The Lord is King forever. God called us in water, Word, and grace, to be his sons and daughters. A new epiphany is only the beginning! Trust and treasure The Spirit; we are God’s children and heirs!
Song of Blessing
Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters
Duck
vs. 2
We who bring them long for nurture
By your milk may we be fed
Let us join your feast partaking
Cup of blessing living bread
God renew us guide our footsteps
Free from sin and all its snares
One with Christ in living dying
By your Spirit children heirs
God has washed us in the treasures of baptism. Let us praise the Lord and tell of his glory. Filled with light and grace, we will forever worship, proclaiming the splendor of his name.
Friends washed in God’s majesty: In God’s light and grace, in the treasured life of baptism we are recreated and transformed, we receive forgiveness, hope, life everlasting. Sing of God’s grace!
Song of Blessing
Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters
Duck
vs. 3
Oh how deep your holy wisdom
Unimagined all your ways
To your name be glory honor
With our lives we worship praise
We your people stand before you
Water-washed and Spirit-born
By your grace our lives we offer
Re-create us God transform
Almighty and loving God, at the baptism of Jesus, your grace was made known in The Light of your beloved Son, and you filled him with The Holy Spirit. Give us a new epiphany, as we share only the beginning to the power and priceless treasures of baptism. Let our lights shine as we follow The Light of the world, trusting the gifts of forgiveness, calling, hope, and life everlasting. In Jesus’ name alone, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 42:1-9
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
Acts 10:34-43
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ – he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of New Life
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Wyeth/Robinson
Come thou Fount of ev’ry blessing
Tune my heart to sing thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
While the hope of endless glory
Fills my heart with joy and love
Teach me ever to adore thee
May I still thy goodness prove
Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Long ago witnesses wrote words to proclaim Jesus as the Treasured Light fulfilling the coming of the promised Messiah, that his power and grace were only the beginning, and were sufficient to the Hebrew Christians considering returning to Judaism. Let us share our faith using these same words.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. ...Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ...Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Amen.
Faith Quest meets following today’s Children’s Message!
Baptism is Only the Beginning!
ISAIAH 42:1-9; ACTS 10:34-43; MATTHEW 3:13-17
Do you like getting things done? Do you have “to do lists" you check-off as things get accomplished? There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes with working on something until it is finished before you move on to something else. When a project or a goal has no real end in sight it can get tiring. It takes dedication and commitment to try and make `the same old thing' new and fresh - to make it worth your time and energy. Sometimes people in their faith journey look at baptism as `something to get done.' Today as we celebrate `The Baptism of Our Lord,' we give thanks The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is only the beginning. God’s grace in baptism is only the beginning to making known our place in the kingdom and to our calling as a disciple. Baptism is also only a new beginning to who Jesus is at the core, God’s Son, our Savior. As we celebrate the Epiphany season, as we look for more light in our lives, trust and hold fast to the epiphanies, to the new beginnings made known in The Christ, in the power and grace of baptism, calling you, welcoming you, saving you; all of which is only the beginning to so much more!
1. Thanks be to God, the light and power and grace in baptism is only the beginning to so much more.
Isaiah 42:6,8; Acts 10:39,41-43; Matthew 5:16
A. Baptism is only the beginning, welcoming us into a new family where everyone has a place and where no one needs to ever feel alone.
B. Baptism is only the beginning, calling us to serve and `to let our lights shine before others.'
C. Baptism is only the beginning to new life, the new life we share in God’s power and grace. Through water and the word, we share deliverance, forgiveness, eternal life and so much more.
2. We are baptized in a new beginning, a new beginning made known long ago; for even long ago, baptism was only the beginning to something more.
Acts 10:36-38; Matthew 3:13-17
A. Jesus' baptism was only the beginning to who he really was.
B. Jesus' baptism was only the beginning to 3 years of ministry.
C. Jesus' baptism was only the beginning of his walk toward Jerusalem to reveal completely who he was and who he is, and the newest of all beginnings waiting to be made known!
D. Jesus’ baptism, your baptism, every baptism, is another amazing epiphany in grace, a new beginning, only the beginning to making known Jesus’ light and truth and grace!
3. In The Baptism Of Our Lord, in your own baptism, God begins something new just for you! Baptism welcomes us, calls us, saves us, makes you new! Who you are in your own baptism is only the beginning to the epiphanies God has yet to make known to you in The Christ, your baptized Savior! Trust and celebrate, your baptism is only the beginning to God’s grace and so much more!
Isaiah 42:1-4,9
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
Song of Assurance in True Grace
He Knows My Name
Walker
vs. 1
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hand
refrain:
He Knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
vs. 2
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go
(refrain twice)
And hears me when I call
... as we pray to you, Jesus,
Give us a new epiphany, give us a new beginning, in your light and your grace.
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place during our service. If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.
For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.
We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.
The Words of Institution
In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “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.”
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.
Songs During Holy Communion
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
Ylvisaker
I was there to hear your borning cry
I’ll be there when you are old
I rejoiced the day you were baptized
To see your life unfold
I was there when you were but a child
With a faith to suit you well
In a blaze of light you wandered off
To find where demons dwell
When you heard the wonder of the Word
I was there to cheer you on
You were raised to praise the living Lord
To whom you now belong
If you find someone to share your time
And you join your hearts as one
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme
From dusk till rising sun
In the middle ages of your life
Not too old no longer young
I’ll be there to guide you through the night
Complete what I’ve begun
When the evening gently closes in
And you shut your weary eyes
I’ll be there as I have always been
With just one more surprise
I was there to hear your borning cry
I’ll be there when you are old
I rejoiced the day you were baptized
To see your life unfold
Take Me to the Water
African American Spiritual
refrain:
Take me to the water
Take me to the water
Take me to the water
To be baptized
vs. 1
None but the righteous
None but the righteous
None but the righteous
Oh shall see God
(refrain)
vs 2
I love Jesus
I love Jesus
I love Jesus
Oh yes I do
(refrain)
vs 3
He’s my Savior
He’s my Savior
He’s my Savior
Oh yes he is
(refrain)
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, as you are blessed with only the beginning in every epiphany of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ! In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Song Going in Light & Grace
This Little Light of Mine
Spiritual
vs. 1
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
vs. 2
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Ev’rywhere I go
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
vs. 3
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Jesus gave it to me
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
(repeat first verse)
Let it shine
Let it shine
Let it shine
Liking posts like this one helps get the word out about Lord of Life! Consider sharing posts like this with friends who may be missing their faith-based communities. Leave a comment and let us know what you liked or what moved you this week!
Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE now on YouTube! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!
Today we celebrate The Baptism Of Our Lord, Sunday, January 8, 9:30 a.m. “Baptism Is Only The Beginning!” Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes today!
Next Sunday, January 15, we celebrate The Second Sunday After Epiphany 9:30 a.m. “A New Finding … Is Only The Beginning!” Faith Quest, Sunday School does not meet next Sunday due to the holiday weekend!
As we continue to share the ministry God places in our care, we are seeking more volunteers! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion.
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary. Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Trusting A New Epiphany In The Grace & Light Of Baptism, written based on Psalm 29. “Come, Thou Font,” “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry,” © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “All Who Are Thirsty” © 1998 Vineyard Songs CCLI #2489542 “Jesus Loves Me” Music & Lyrics Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “He Knows My Name” © 1996 Doulos Publishing, CCLI #2151368 “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House, CCLI #4593474 “Take Me to the Water” Traditional African American Spiritual, & this arr. © 1992 Horace Clarence Boyer “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Music & Lyrics Public Domain, CCLI #108389 “This Little Light of Mine” © Words and Music Public Domain, this arr. © Horace Clarence Boyer, OL #01998 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.