LOVELY LANE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
BAPTISM OF THE LORD, YEAR A
JANUARY 11, 2026
† Stand as you are able
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements John Strawbridge, Lay Leader
Choral Introit “As With Gladness Men of Old” Kocher
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Ever more be led to thee.
†Call to Worship
Come to the waters where Christ stepped into our human story.
We come to remember we are beloved.
Come to the river where the Spirit still speaks and still descends.
We come to be renewed in the Holy Spirit.
Come, worship God—whose voice calls us by name and claims us as family.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
†Opening Hymn “When Jesus Came to Jordan” UMH 173
Prayer for Illumination
Loving God, as your Spirit descended upon Jesus, open our hearts to your Word, that we may remember whose we are and live as your beloved. Amen.
A Reading from the Prophets Isaiah 42:1-9 NRSV
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. He will not cry out or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Prayer
Beloved God, you meet us at the waterline—where fear loosens its grip and new life begins. As Jesus was baptized and named your Son, speak over us again what we forget so easily: that we are held, claimed, and loved. Wash us clean of the labels that shrink our courage and the sins that dull our compassion. Pour out your Spirit upon this church, that our life together would look like good news—justice with tenderness, holiness with humility, mercy with strength. Send us from worship as people who live our baptism: listening for your voice, bearing your peace, and walking in the light of Christ. Amen.
Passing of the Peace “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” UMH 393
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Choral Response “Spirit of the Living God” TFWS 2118
†A Reading from the Gospel Matthew 3:13-27 NRSV
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
The Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Reverend. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Invitation to Offering
Offertory “Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether“ Friedell
Draw us in the Spirit’s tether,
For when humbly in your name,
Two or three are met together,
You are in the midst of them;
Alleluia, alleluia!
Touch we now your garment’s hem
I travel to Bethlehem’s cradle,
As disciples used to gather
In the name of Christ to sup,
Then with thanks to God the Father
Break the bread and bless the cup,
Alleluia, alleluia!
So now bind our friendship up.
All our meals and all our living
Make as sacraments of you,
That by caring, helping, giving,
We may be disciples true.
Alleluia, alleluia!
We will serve with faith anew.
Offering Prayer
Generous God, receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and trust. Use them to bless your beloved in this neighborhood and beyond, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
†Closing Hymn “Here I Am, Lord” UMH 593
†Benediction
Go as God’s beloved—claimed by grace, strengthened by the Spirit, and sent to live the love you have received. Amen.
†Benediction Response “Amen” Storer
Amen!
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude