The Baptism of Our Lord – January 12, 2025
Lord of Life LIVE - The Baptism of Our Lord
Join us next Sunday!
Sunday Worship - The Second Sunday After Epiphany
”Treasured Change”
January 19, 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School does not meet next Sunday due to the holiday weekend!
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! We are so thirsty, so let us come anew to the One who forever comes to us, and treasures us, blessing us with each new treasured epiphany, 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 in Holy Baptism.
(silence for reflection)
Friends baptized in the same baptism as Jesus: Trust and see anew this new epiphany today in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Live anew in The Bright New Light! 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 The Bright New Treasured Light of God’s 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 made known in the One who treasures us! Trust and treasure anew 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 treasured light and grace, we will forever worship, proclaiming the splendor of his name.
Friends washed in God’s majesty: In God’s treasured grace, in the treasured life of baptism, we are recreated and transformed, we receive forgiveness, hope, and 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 you reveal the treasured Light of Jesus Christ, in the daily power and priceless treasurers given in baptism. Let our lights shine as we follow the Light of the world, the One who treasures us, as we trust the gifts of forgiveness, hope, purpose, and life everlasting. In the light and grace of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson
ISAIAH 43:1–7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth – everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
ACTS 8:14–17
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive The Holy Spirit (for as yet The Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received The Holy Spirit.
(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
LUKE 3:15–17, 21–22
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
BASED ON REVELATION 21:5-7
God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward to make us all one through his death and resurrection, will come again. Trusting every treasured gift of hope and grace anew in each epiphany, we share our faith, for his light has come and the darkness will not overcome it.
God who sits upon the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new. Write these words for they are trustworthy and true. It is done! I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain the water of life without payment. They who conquer shall have their heritage, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” Amen.
Faith Quest meets following today’s Children’s Message!
Treasured Life
ISAIAH 43:1-7; ACTS 8:14-17; LUKE 3:15-17, 21-22
`A voice came from heaven, you are my Son, the beloved. With you I am well pleased.' In the baptism of Jesus, God is telling, God is revealing, who Jesus is. This is indeed The Treasured One! As we share the season of Epiphany, we retell stories which are epiphanies of who Jesus is and this Treasure Life. While an epiphany can be a manifestation of a divine being, an epiphany is also a moment of new revelation, discovery, insight, understanding. When we experience an epiphany, a light goes on. The grace and light of The One who treasures us, become clear to help us understand, believe, see, The Christ! The sacraments can be epiphanies for us as well. In the water and word, in the body and blood of Christ, we see Jesus more clearly, and we see the treasures of life given to us, in a new way. As we reflect on the baptism of our Lord, we see Jesus is far more than who we say he is. Receive this blessed epiphany today: Jesus is completely and truly who God says Jesus is, God’s Son, our Savior, The One who treasures us, gracing us with this treasured life, here and now, and for all eternity!
1. In baptism, we have light and grace in this treasured life!
Isaiah 43:2; Acts 8:17; Luke 3:15-17, 22
A. As Lutherans we celebrate two sacraments - baptism & communion. The sacraments:
i. Are a visible sign of God’s grace, God's love.
ii. Offer the benefits of deliverance, everlasting life, and forgiveness.
iii. Are instituted by Christ - the sacraments allow us to share something with Jesus.
B. In baptism, we have light and grace to show us who we are.
i. In baptism we know who we are. There is no mistaken identity here. Who we are, and God’s grace, are clear!
ii. In baptism God’s grace and light, give us this treasured life. Baptism reveals who we are, the relationships we share, who God wants us to be, and who Jesus is.
C. In baptism, we have light and grace to show us what we are to do.
Matthew 5:16
i. Jesus is baptized, his life changes; his treasured ministry begins.
ii. In baptism, our lives change, our treasured calling begins, too.
D. In baptism, we have light and grace to show us Who treasures us!
i. `We are baptized in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. We are children of God, sealed with The Holy Spirit, and marked with the treasured cross of Christ .... forever!’
ii. In the baptism of Jesus, God tells us there is a Treasured Light and Life, for you and for the world.
iii. As God claims and names Jesus in water and word, God claims and names us as well.
a. What would we be without water?
b. Who would we be without God's water?
2. In The Holy Baptism of Jesus Christ we see anew Light and Grace and Treasured Life! We have an epiphany, and we see who Jesus is. In our baptism, the same baptism Jesus received, complete with The Holy Spirit, we have another epiphany, for we see who we are, who God is, and Who treasures us as we live each day and for all eternity in the treasures of light and grace! Isaiah 43:1-2; Acts 8:17; Luke 3:22
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, of your treasured light and 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.
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
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)
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
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, for you are blessed with every epiphany in God’s treasured light and grace in the One who treasures you first! 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
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Today we celebrate The Baptism Of Our Lord, Sunday, January 12th, 9:30 a.m. “Treasured Life!” Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes today!
Next Sunday, January 19th, 9:30 a.m., we celebrate The Second Sunday After Epiphany, “Treasured Change!” Faith Quest, Sunday School does not meet next Sunday due to the holiday weekend!
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 as you exit the building.
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.
We hope our worship will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.
From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! 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. “Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters,” “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.