Pine Street Presbyterian Church
in the City of Harrisbur g
Pine Street is a Welcoming Church, Glorifying God through Worship, Fellowship and Service in the World.
January 12, 2025
Baptism of the Lord
G ATHERING IN THE P RESENCE OF THE R ISEN C HRIST
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
God of baptism, you emptied yourself of privilege to free us from supremacy. You were submerged in the depths so that we would not be alone in them. You were lifted from the waters so that all might be lifted up. Amen.
VOLUNTARY Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
J.S. Bach
(Please use the opening voluntary as a time of silent meditation and preparation for worship.)
SALUTATION
One: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, Many: the saving grace of Jesus Christ is for all.
† Those able are invited to stand Bold text is read or sung by all
Amy Chick
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
One: In the beginning, darkness covered the deep, and God said: Let there be light.
Many: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: Through the words of the prophet, the Lord said: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
Many: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: Do not fear, says the Lord; I am with you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Many: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: When Jesus was baptized by John, suddenly the heavens were opened.
Many: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: And as Jesus was coming out of the water, the Spirit of God rested on him like a dove.
Many: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
One: And a voice said: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.
Many: The voice of the Lord is over the waters!
Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from one another. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another. We allow the past to hold us captive., In your loving-kindness have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Fulfill the promise of our baptism so that we may rise to new life and live together in grace.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
One: As a voice from heaven said to Jesus, so in Christ God speaks to us, “You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased.” In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Many: Thanks be to God.
† GLORIA
PRAYER
FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 43:1-7
One: The Word of the Lord. Many: Thanks be to God.
Thomas Ernst
Old Testament Page 672
† HYMN 259 The God of Heaven (Psalm 29) GLORY
SECOND LESSON Acts 8:14-17
THIRD LESSON Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
SERMON
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
“Formed and Made”
New Testament Page 126
New Testament Page 60
The Rev. Seelman
From the PC(USA) Brief Statement of Faith (1983) In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.
With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
† THE PEACE
One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Many: And also with you.
WELCOME
(Please sign the Friendship Register or scan the code)
MINUTE FOR MISSION
THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD
(To donate to Pine Street Presbyterian online through PayPal, scan the code)
ANTHEM The Baptism of Our Lord
Marna Holt
Charles Callahan
From wilderness to Jordan came the final prophet to proclaim that judgment was to begin to punish Israel for their sin. Although of Abraham's descent, since all have sinned, all must repent, and, like the Gentiles, undergo a baptism, and its import show. But when Christ came, no judgment dire did he pronounce with venging fire; himself the baptism underwent, the sinless, perfect penitent. On him the Spirit as a dove descended, and the Father's love voiced his approval that the Son mankind's salvation had begun. All glory, Lord, to you we pay for your Epiphany today; and to the Father tribute bring, as by the Spirit here we sing.
† PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SEALING THE WORD
SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Many: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
… who forever sing to the glory of your name:
The prayer continues.
… dedicated to your service:
INTERCESSION, SUPPLICATION, AND CONSECRATION
One: In your mercy, Many: Lord, hear our prayer.
… now and forever.
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.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD AND CUP
One: The gifts of God for the people of God. Many: Let us keep the joyful feast.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
B EARING AND F OLLOWING THE W ORD OF G OD INTO THE W ORLD † HYMN 297 In Christ Called to Baptize ST. DENIO
BENEDICTION
† CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name. Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod, the Lamb victorious, Christ, the Son of God. Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore His sacred name.
L EADING IN W ORSHIP T ODAY
The Rev. Stuart Seelman, Pastor
Joseph Garrison, Minister of Music and Worship
Thomas Ernst, Lector
Amy Chick, Liturgist
Amelia Ernst, Acolyte
The Chancel Choir
F LOWER D EDICATION
The flowers in the sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Janet and Jesse Weigel by their children, Karen, Kevin and Jennifer.
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Sunday, Jan. 12– Baptism of the Lord
8:45 am- Sunday School
9:00 am- Choir Warm Up
9:00 am- Café Conversations
10:00 am- Worship
Tuesday, Jan. 14– MAPS
7:00 pm- Aine Hakamatsuka and Michael Hey
Wednesday, Jan. 15– Adult Forum
7:00 pm- Zoom
Sunday, Jan. 19– 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
8:45 am- Sunday School
9:00 am- Choir Warm Up
9:00 am- Café Conversations
10:00 am- Worship
C OPYRIGHT N OTICE
Music in the bulletin is used with permission under OneLicense.net #A-71074. All rights reserved.
Liturgy was reprinted and adapted with permission from Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion copyright 2013, and from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved.
310 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 238-9304 | www.pinestreet.org