At the time of Jesus’ appearing, or “epiphany,” the people of Israel were awaiting a hero, a savior— the Messiah. They asked John the Baptist if he might be the one. He assured them he was not, but the Christ was coming, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Jesus came and was baptized by John. God the Father‘s voice was heard by witnesses there: “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.“
Jesus proved himself to be the Messiah by His teaching, through miracles, in the prophecies fulfilled, and ultimately by His death and resurrection from the dead. All were experienced by many eyewitnesses. If you haven’t put your trust in Jesus as your Savior, what are you waiting for?
If you have received Jesus as your Messiah, and have been baptized in His name, you have also received the promised Holy Spirit. You are a living fulfillment of John’s prophecy. You have a new identity as a child of God, in whom God the Father is well pleased—for Jesus’ sake. And we await Jesus’ return and the joy of eternal life with God. As we face this new year together, we are living in expectation. The best is yet to come!
Readings and Sermon: Pastor Jonathan Lange.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 29
- First reading is from Isaiah 43:1–7
- Epistle reading is from Romans 6:1–11
- Gospel reading is from Luke 3:15-22
Songs and Hymns:
- O Church, Arise
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Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
© 2005 Thankyou Music
Used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740 - God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It
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Text by Erdmann Neumeister, trans. Robert E. Voelker, public domain
Tune by Johann Caspar Bachofen, © 1991 Robert E. Voelker, used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220 - Baptism
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Michael Card
© 1985 Birdwing Music; Mole End Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - By Grace Alone
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Text by Martin Luther
Tune by David Ward, © 2002 ThousandTongues.org
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - Blessed Assurance
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Text: Fanny J. Crosby, alt. Aaron Mueller;
Tune: Phoebe P. Knapp;
Text and tune: Public domain. - Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
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Text: Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1700–60; tr. John B. Wesley, 1703–91, alt.
Tune: George J. Elvey, 1816–93
Text and tune: Public domain - I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
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Text and tune: Kathleen Thomerson, 1934
© 1970, 1975 Celebration
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Jan 12:
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- Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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During Sunday School
- Tuesday, Jan 14:
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- Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study: 6 PM to 8 PM
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Text Shala Baker with any questions at 618-315-0788.
- Wednesday, Jan 15:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Youth Group @ The Staake's Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Friday, Jan 17:
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- Lutheran Young Adults (LYA): 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
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LYA will be meeting at the Gruben home for a game night on Friday, January 17th from 6:30-8:30p. Bring a game, snack, desert, or drink to share. And don’t forget to invite a friend!
- Community Group Mixer: 6:30 PM
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Mark your calendar for Friday, January 17th at 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall for a community group mixer! Whether you currently attend a Community Group, would like more information about our groups, or would just like to join us in fellowship, this event is for everyone.
- Sunday, Jan 19:
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- Special Congregational Meeting: 10:15 AM
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Immediately following worship. Topic will be 2025 budget approval.
- No Sunday School
- No Adult Bible Study
- No Youth Confirmation
- Call Committee Update
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The call committee submitted nominations to the district in December for further information on each candidate. The committee continues to meet in preparation for the interview process. If you have questions or concerns, please speak to a member of the committee or email callcommittee@stjamesglencarbon.org. Please continue to pray for the committee, our church, and the person God will provide for us.
- Kitchen Note
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As you are using the kitchen and notice we are running low on something, please write it on the notepad on the fridge. If there is an immediate need, please let Jen Weber know at jen@stjamesglencarbon.org.
- Mosaic Baby Bottle Campaign
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January is Life Month! To celebrate life, we are excited to be hosting a baby bottle campaign! The campaign begins today! Bottles are available in the narthex and should be returned by February 16th. Funds collected from this campaign help support Mosaic. Mosaic transforms lives by providing free, life- affirming pregnancy & sexual health services, education & Christ-centered support. You can also find out more about Mosaic and donate online at supportmosaic.org/donate. Mosaic has many volunteer opportunities such as throwing baby showers, stuffing packets or being a prayer warrior. You can find more information at supportmosaic.org/volunteer.
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