Baptism of Our Lord Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:

The gospel reading today is about the Baptism of Jesus, not to be likened to nor confused with ours. In Matthew, the questions of Jesus’ sinless purity and divinity are fair presentation for His disciples. We are blessed to hear the Gospel according to Matthew as he sees it in his day. Jesus, a man without sin, takes our sins to the cross, dying a human death so to gift our imperfect nature salvation.
John the Baptist is a rough animal hide clothed grub eating believer who preaches repentance and cleansing by water to prepare oneself to be in the presence of our Lord. Here John meets Jesus face to face, experiences the awkward moment and recognizes the Lord and Savior.
Our Lord God Creator of Heaven and Earth removes all doubt of the presence and identity of His obedient son, Jesus Christ, as Christ rises from the waters of His Baptism. We see the presence of the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What would you feel if you were at the Baptism of our Lord Jesus?

 

Scripture:
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. Is. 42:1.
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ps. 29:1.
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. Acts 10:42.
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. Matt. 3:16.

 

Pardon Peace Power
Daniel Whittle (El Nathan) 1883.

 

Prayer: God of grace and glory, you call us with your voice of flame to be your people, faithful and courageous. As your beloved Son embraced his mission in the waters of baptism, inspire us with the fire of your Spirit to join in his transforming work. We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Come Holy Ghost Creator Blest
Fr. Louis Lambillotte S.J.

 

Prayer: Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

 

Spirit Song
John Wimber
performed by Maranatha Singers

 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.

 

Be Not Afraid.
You Shall Cross the Barren Desert (1975).
Bob Dufford, S.J.
performed by John Michael Talbot

 

Prayer: Dear Creator God, our soul’s delight, your voice thunders over the waters, liberating the future from the past. In the Spirit’s power and the waters of rebirth, Jesus was declared your blessed and beloved Son; may we recall our baptism, and be disciples of the Anointed One. Amen.

 

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!