FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 109 West Third Avenue, Warren, Pennsylvania

Phone: (814) 723-6450 Fax: (814) 723-0935

Email Office: jess@flcwarren.com Website: www.flcwarren.com

The Rev. Jeffrey B. Ewing, Pastor pastorjeff@flcwarren.com

Jack Hemink, Director of Music Julie Baughman, accompanist

Cheri Kellogg, Director of Children, Youth and Family

Baptism of Our Lord January 10, 2021 With One Voice, Setting V

Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit of God

moved over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the

Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon

us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on

Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.

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WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE Crashing Waters at Creation Lee Hastings Bristol

*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister

begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

whose voice is upon the waters,

whose mercy is poured out upon all people,

whose goodness cascades over all creation.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin, trusting in the abundant grace of God.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Holy God,

you search us and know us.

You are acquainted with all our ways.

We confess that our hearts are burdened by sin—

our own sins and the broken systems that bind us.

We turn inward, failing to follow

your outward way of love.

We distrust those who are not like us.

We exploit the earth and its resources

and fail to consider generations to come.

Forgive us, gracious God,

for all we have done and left undone.

Even before the words are on our tongues,

you know them;

receive them in your divine mercy.

Amen.

How vast is God’s grace!

Through the power and promise of ☩ Christ Jesus,

our sins are washed away

and we are claimed as God’s own beloved.

Indeed, we are forgiven.

In the wake of God’s forgiveness,

we are called to be the beloved community

living out Christ’s justice

and the Spirit’s reconciling peace.

Amen.

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HYMN Christ, When for Us You were Baptized #304

Verses 1,2, and 4

1. Christ, when for us you were baptized, God’s Spirit on you came, as peaceful as a

dove, and yet as urgent as a flame, as urgent as a flame.

2. God called you, “My beloved Son; you are God’s servant true, sent to proclaim the

reign of heav’n, God’s holy will to do, God’s holy will to do.

4. Baptize us with your Spirit, Lord; your cross on us be signed, that likewise in God’s

service we may perfect freedom find, may perfect freedom find.

*GREETING

P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy

Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

KYRIE

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HYMN OF PRAISE

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*PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse

us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after your Son, Jesus

Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and forever.

Amen.

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First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5 Out of chaos, God brings order. Out of the formless void, God brings light. This familiar story

was good news for the Israelites, who experienced much chaos in their history. It remains good

news for us. God created and continues to create new life.

1In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless

void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the

face of the waters. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4And God

saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called

the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was

morning, the first day.

A: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 29 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)

1Ascribe to the | LORD, you gods,

ascribe to the LORD glo- | ry and strength.

2Ascribe to the LORD the glory | due God’s name;

worship the LORD in the beau- | ty of holiness.

3The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of | glory thunders;

the LORD is upon the | mighty waters.

4The voice of the LORD is a pow- | erful voice;

the voice of the LORD is a | voice of splendor. R

5The voice of the LORD breaks the | cedar trees;

the LORD breaks the ce- | dars of Lebanon;

6the LORD makes Lebanon skip | like a calf,

and Mount Hermon like a | young wild ox.

7The voice | of the LORD

bursts forth in | lightning flashes.

8The voice of the LORD| shakes the wilderness;

the LORD shakes the wilder- | ness of Kadesh. R

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9The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe and strips the | forests bare.

And in the temple of the LORD all are | crying, “Glory!”

10The LORD sits enthroned a- | bove the flood;

the LORD sits enthroned as king for- | evermore.

11O LORD, give strength | to your people;

give them, O LORD, the bless- | ings of peace. R

Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7 In Ephesus, Paul encounters people who had received John’s baptism of repentance but had

never heard of the Holy Spirit or of baptism in the name of Jesus. After Paul baptizes them, the

Holy Spirit comes upon them and empowers them with gifts of the Spirit.

1While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to

Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy

Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there

is a Holy Spirit.” 3Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered,

“Into John’s baptism.” 4Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling

the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5On hearing

this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul had laid his hands on

them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied—7altogether there were about twelve of them.

A: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 3rd chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

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Gospel: Mark 1:4-11 Mark’s gospel reports the story of Jesus’ baptism with some irony: the one on whom the Spirit

descends is himself the one who will baptize others with the Holy Spirit.

4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for

the forgiveness of sins. 5And 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. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around

his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He 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. 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy

Spirit.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Jeffrey Ewing

Silence for reflection may follow.

*HYMN OF THE DAY Crashing Waters at Creation #455

Verses 1, 3, and 4

1. Crashing waters at creation, ordered by the spirit’s breath, first to witness day’s

beginning from the brightness of night’s death.

3. Cleansing water once at Jordan closed around the one foretold, opened to reveal the

glory ever new and ever old.

4. Living water, never ending, quench the thirst and flood the soul. Well-spring, source

of life eternal, drench our dryness, make us whole.

NICENE CREED

Assistant: Let us confess our faith using the words of the Nicene Creed.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

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For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the church, the

world, and all people in need.

A brief silence.

For the church throughout the world and its leaders, that guided by the Holy Spirit they

proclaim the forgiveness of sins, let us pray.

Have mercy, O God.

For wilderness and water, wind and wild beasts, and all living things on earth, that God’s

goodness is revealed through creation and for faithful stewards who care for all God has

made, let us pray.

Have mercy, O God.

For the nations of the world and their leaders, for laborers busy both day and night, and

for peacemakers amid strife, that God inspire all people to use their strength wisely, let us

pray.

Have mercy, O God.

For the sick and those who provide medical care, for frontline workers and families

affected by the coronavirus, for the imprisoned and those who show them mercy, for the

lonely and those who provide companionship, for all who suffer especially those we

name before you now, that God shower compassion… let us pray.

Have mercy, O God.

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For the congregation gathered here, for students returning to school, for those seeking

renewal in their daily work, that all the beloved of God experience grace and peace, let us

pray.

Have mercy, O God.

In thanksgiving for the faithful departed who now rest from their labors, that their witness

inspire us in our baptismal vocations, let us pray.

Have mercy, O God.

Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken or silent, for the sake of the one

who dwells among us, your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.

Amen.

SHARING THE PEACE

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: And also with you.

MEAL_____________________________________

OFFERING

The Lord Comes G. Alan Smith

Donna Trubic, soprano

Colleen Witmer, alto

OFFERTORY RESPONSE

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OFFERTORY PRAYER

O God,

receive these gifts as you receive us:

like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.

Nourish us anew in your tender care,

and empower us in faithful service

to tend to others with this same love,

through Jesus Christ, our saving grace.

Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them to the Lord.

P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,…

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

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Congregation: SANCTUS

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER AND RESPONSE

…Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is

yours, almighty Father, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those

who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

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Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Thanks be to God!

LAMB OF GOD

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gifts of his body and blood strengthen,

keep and unite us, now and forever.

Amen.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

Christ Jesus,

at this table we see you in the bread and wine

and are strengthened for our journey.

Send us forth from this banquet

nourished in body and in spirit

to proclaim your good news

and serve others in your name.

Amen.

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BLESSING

God the creator strengthen you;

Jesus the beloved fill you;

and the Holy Spirit the comforter ☩ keep you in peace.

Amen.

SENDING *HYMN Shine, Jesus, Shine #671

Refrain: Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory; blaze Spirit, blaze, set

our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy; send forth

your Word, Lord, and let there be light.

1. Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness, shining; Jesus, light

of the world, shine upon us, set us free by the truth you now bring us.

Shine on me, shine on me:

Refrain

2. As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness, ever

changing from glory to glory, mirrored here, may our lives tell your story.

Shine on me, shine on me:

Refrain

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Finale from Concerto no. 5 George F Handel

Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License

#SAS022272. New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Revised Common Lectionary,

Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.

FLOWERS Given by Colleen Witmer in honor of Randy Witmer

Given by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Candreia in memory of Ralph & Eunice Candreia and Andrew & Sue Elinsky

Organ Vase: Given by Karen Schumacher in memory of Howard Schumacher

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Prayer Requests: servicemen & women, especially Andrew Shodi, Swede Backhus, Adam &

Ben Frederick, Eric Smith, Shane Simpson, Curtis & Annie Royek, Ty Elmquist, Matt Pierotti,

Julie Sveda January 10: Elizabeth Donovan, Sylar Moore, Sharyn Stone, Diane Murray, Nathan Brooks,

Marcia Granger, Gail Larson, Janet Wilson, Kathy Betts, Gloria Kirkwood, Janet Savko,

Bethena Boger, Ezra Knox, & Ron Knox, Don Reed, Joyce and Rory Sawtelle, Brodie Burroughs,

and Linda Burroughs

January 3 Brianna Coursey, Mary Edwards, David Nelson, Susan Peterson, Bonnie Parker,

Margie Belsole, Pete Peterson, Mia, Karen Schumacher, Shirley Brown, Lynn Hessley, Kim

Tome, and Lutheran Home in Kane, Perry Holland, Christopher Smith, Chuck Gray,

Mary McNett

December 27: Ryder Check, Greg Nagurney,Rod Anderson, Bob Engstrom, Vera Kellogg,

Steve Hoden, Deanna Lent, Nancy Clark, Margaret Long, Betty Knupp, Nancy Stanley, Family

and Friends of Marsha Keller, Jared Keller

Serving Today January 10 January 17 CANTOR Donna Trubic Linda Ross

ASSISTING Heidi Colosimo Lori Nowacki

MINISTERS

Although there is light at the end of this long coronavirus

tunnel with the rollout of a vaccine, we are not out of the

tunnel yet. Our on-line worship will continue into the new

year and your council will assess the situation and see where

we are regarding in-person worship at its January 18th

meeting. As always, we encourage you to worship with us

on-line on our Facebook page at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday and

you can view the service on our website

(flcwarren.com/worship) immediately following.

STEWARDSHIP: MAKE IT MATTER While we are

still worshipping virtually, we continue to share the

resources God has blessed us with to break in God’s

kingdom into this place and time. Thanks to you and the

thoughtfulness of a congregant long ago, our annual Special

Gifts fund was able to distribute grants to various people

and ministries in the area and beyond. Check out the

January Lantern for a full list of these ministries.

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APPLICATIONS FOR THE ELCA'S YOUNG ADULTS

IN GLOBAL MISSION (YAGM) ARE DUE TODAY FOR

THE 2021-2022 PROGRAM YEAR. If you're a young adult

ages 21 to 29, you can apply for an international service year

that will shape your faith, career, identity and understanding

of how you fit into God's work in the world. Through

YAGM, you'll learn what it means to serve in a spirit of

accompaniment as you walk alongside global church

companions. You'll immerse yourself in new community and

form deep relationships with the people you meet. And you'll

confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, gender

privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens of faith. Learn more and

apply on their website ELCA.org/YAGM!

STORIES OF FAITH IN ACTION is a resource sent to

congregations in magazine form. These stories come from around

the world and show the personal impact the Lutheran church has had

on individual people and communities. It is uplifting and

informative. And now it’s on-line! Simply go to the Living

Lutheran website and at the end of the dropdown bar click on Stories

of Faith, or type this address into your browser to view the site:

https://www.livinglutheran.org/sofia/

POINSETTIAS As always, we have poinsettias “left-over” from

Christmas. If you have not picked up your poinsettia, or would really like

one, please stop in and pick one up.

Poinsettias are on a table in the narthex. Enjoy!

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO PRAY. Lift up all those who are

affected by COVID19. As our church family begins to feel the direct effect

of the virus, lift up those in our congregation struggling with COVID19.

AVAILABLE FLOWER DATES IN 2021

Please contact Kris Whitaker to schedule dates for altar flowers. You may reach her at

726-2843 or by email at whitakerc@verizon.net

February 21 October 17

March 28 November 14

April 11 November 28

April 18