Order of Worship for Sunday, January 21, 2024: With You I am Well Pleased

Call to Worship - (If you are joining us from home, you are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit) Oceans (Where Feet May Fall) by Rend Collective - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds, Music Director

In The River by Jesus Culture - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

The Seasonal Winter Shelter Program (SWSP) is now open!

SWSP is available until March 31, 2024. These shelters help to keep our unhoused neighbors safe and warm during the coldest months in our region. lahsa.org/winter-shelter

Free Tax Prep from LA County

Tax season is starting, and you could qualify for more than $11,000 in refunds regardless of your immigration status. At FreeTaxPrepLA.org, you can learn more about the tax refunds available and get support from IRS-certified tax preparers who can help you file for free.

Under the state of emergency declared to help the housing crisis, LA County is creating more job opportunities and making the application process easier than ever.

Learn more at homeless.lacounty.gov/emergency

Access to internet service is crucial.

The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 dollar monthly benefit for internet service. Find out how you can get your home connected at: Getconnectedlosangeles.lacity.org.

CALL TO PRAYER: Beautiful Things by Gungor - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Mark 1:4-12

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.’

The Baptism of Jesus

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.’

The Temptation of Jesus

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

One: This is the Word of God for us, the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God! 

Sermon: “With You I am Well Pleased ” - Rev. Dr. Mandy Sloan McDow

New Service Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant

Sisters and brothers in Christ:
through the sacrament of baptism
God's Spirit has been poured out upon water,
water poured over and immersing us,
water that flows freely for all who will receive it,
water from the streams of God's saving power and justice,
water that brings hope to all who thirst for righteousness,
water that refreshes life, nurtures growth, and offers new birth.

Today we come to the waters,

to renew our commitments

in each other's presence

to Christ who has raised us,

the Spirit who has birthed us,

and the Creator who is making all things new.

Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith

And so I ask you, will you turn away from the powers of sin and death?

All: We renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
Reject the evil powers of this world,
And repent of our sin!

Will you let the Spirit use you as prophets to the powers that be?

All: We accept the freedom and power
God gives us
To resist evil, injustice, and oppression
In whatever forms they present themselves!

Will you proclaim the good news and live as disciples of Jesus Christ, his body on earth?

All: We confess Jesus Christ as our Savior,
put our whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as our Lord,
in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races!

Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together, wherever you are, and in all that you do?
All: We will remain faithful members of Christ's holy church
And serve as Christ's representatives in the world. 

Will you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
All: We affirm and teach the faith of the whole church as we put our trust
in God, the Father Almighty.
in Jesus Christ, his only Son.
and in the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.

Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon these waters.
Let these waters be to us drops of your mercy.
All: Let these waters remind us of your righteousness and justice.
Let these waters renew in us the resurrection power of Jesus.
All: Let these waters make us long for your coming reign.

Eternal God, One in Three and Three in One!
All: All glory is yours, now and forever. Amen!
Remember that you are baptized, and rejoice!

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

And now, with the confidence of the children of God, let us 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,
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING OFFERING AND COMMUNION:

Wade in the Water - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

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