ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
MAYTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
THE REV. ROBERT M. LESCALLETTE, PASTOR
KEITH SMITH, ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER
JANIE MOHR, JR. CHOIRMASTER
JONAN SHIRK, PARISH SECRETARY
BECKY FLECKENSTEIN, PARISH SEXTON
SUSAN FRANK, YOUTH MINISTRY
The Baptism of our Lord January 8, 2006
10:30 AM
A Service celebrating Christ’s Baptism and our own.
THE PRELUDE MUSIC - “Prelude On An Old Irish Tune” G. Blake
THE OPENING HYMN #36 “On Jordan’s Banks”
THE CONFESSION OF SINS/ABSOLUTION
Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, we are gathered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
PEOPLE: AMEN.
Pastor: Let us draw near to God in humility and confidence, confessing our sin.
Gracious God,
PEOPLE: Have mercy on us. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and things left undone. Uphold us by your Spirit so that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastor: The boundless riches of Christ are the gift of God’s grace to all people. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
PEOPLE: AMEN.
THE GREETING
Pastor: The grace, the wisdom, and the power of almighty God be with you all.
PEOPLE: AND ALSO WITH YOU.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY (See insert.)
(All sit, following the prayers.)
THE FIRST LESSON – GENESIS 1:1-5
THE ANTHEM- “We Three Kings” J. Hopkins
Soloists – Bob Lescallette
JoNan Shirk
Bill Vogel
THE SECOND LESSON – ACTS 19:1-7
THE ALLELUIA pg. 62 (Sung standing)
THE HOLY GOSPEL – MARK 1:4-11
THE HYMN OF THE DAY # 486 “Spirit Of God Descend Upon My
Heart”
THE HOMILY
THE HYMN AND ASPERGES RITE
(As the congregation sings Hymn #698 (Blue Hymnal) “We Were Baptized in Christ Jesus” and Hymn #693 “Baptized In Water”, the Pastor and Acolyte move among the Family of God, sprinkling them with Baptismal Water, using an evergreen spring, to remind all of our Baptism.
(At the conclusion of the singing, all sit.)
THE ORGAN OFFERTORY – “Interlude” J. Southbridge
THE OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY HYMN # 759“Accept the Gifts We Bring ”
(Verse 1 and 3 only in your Blue Hymnal)
THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Let us pray that the dawn from on high will shine upon the church, the world, and all those in need.
As rushing currents and flowing glaciers carve deep canyons, guide your church in harnessing the power of all the baptized who live and serve under the cross of Christ. We Pray:
HEAR US, GOD OF LIGHT.
As the waters of the Jordon washed the sinless One, so may we strive to follow Jesus’ righteous example even as we trust in his forgiveness for our failings. We Pray:
HEAR US, GOD OF LIGHT.
As refreshing waters sustain all life on earth, help nations to provide clean water to all people, so that no one need suffer from the lack of it. We Pray:
HEAR US, GOD OF LIGHT.
As nourishing rains and snow renew the parched earth, bring healing to those who dwell in the desert places of the heart. We pray for all who are troubled, afraid or sick. We Pray:
HEAR US, GOD OF LIGHT.
As majestic water falls, wondrous rainbows, and peaceful snowscapes reveal God’s glory to us, enable this congregation to celebrate the gifts of creation through its worship life, where all of the senses savor the Creator’s goodness. We Pray:
HEAR US, GOD OF LIGHT.
As sparkling waters dance in the splashes of baptism, fill us with joy as we awaken to each new day of grace. We give thanks for Hazel and Ceil and all who now dwell in the joy of God’s eternal presence. We Pray:
HEAR US, GOD OF LIGHT.
Into your hands O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BENEDICTION
God’s Blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
The Spirit’s outpouring be with you,
Now and always.
AMEN
THE DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Be light for the world.
THANKS BE TO GOD.
THE RECESSIONAL HYMN #721 “Go My Children” (Blue Hymnal)
THE SILENT PRAYER
THE ORGAN POSTLUDE “Epilogue “ L. Smith
THE FLOWERS …
…are presented to the Glory of God and in celebration of Ginny’s birthday on January 7th. . Love, Frank
SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE TODAY:
Morning Lector – Dick Shirk
Evening Lector – Laura Wolfe
Acolyte – Lauren Ross
Crucifer – Ryan Boccagno
Head Usher – Richard Baker
Ushers – Bob and Wanda Long, and Louise Baker
Altar Care – Louise Baker
NOW IS A GREAT TIME…
…to join our choir. We have brand new music to learn and you won’t have to “catch-up” to the veteran singers. Jin us on Wednesday night!
SIGN UP SHEETS…
…hanging in the tower narthex inviting your sponsorship of altar flowers and bulletins in 2006. Take a Sunday or two and help our church pay its operating costs at the same time you honor a special person or event. Altar flower sponsorships are available for the last two Sundays of January and February, as well as lots or other dates. Bulletin sponsorships are un-claimed for most of the year, starting next Sunday. Questions? See JoNan.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN…
…of the next Annual Congregational Meeting, which will occur immediately after the Morning Worship Service on Sunday, January 15, 2006. Snow date: January 22, 2006. All confirmed, communing, and contributing members are urged to attend the meeting. The agenda is routine but important: the approval of a budget, the approval of the rolls, and the receipt of many reports.
WITH SINCERE THANKS...
…to our Family-In-Christ at St. John’s, please accept our heartfelt thanks for all your cards, prayers, and support during this difficult time. God Bless all of you. – The Bachert Family
THANKS…
…to 16 members who gave 2 hours of labor to our church on a busy New Year’s Day, to take down the Christmas decorations. Thanks to Pat Kirchner, Cliff, Sheri, and Kelsey Hafer, Dick, Louise, and Kim Baker, Pauline and Charlie Johns, Judy and Paul Purnell, Vicki and George McConnell, Connie Simmons, and Betty Henny. You guys are tops!!!
CHRISTMAS CARD COLLECTION
Phyllis Hossler is collecting used Christmas cards. The cards will be sent to St. Jude’s Ranch so that children who have cancer, and who are patients there, can re-fabricate them. Each card earns 15 cents toward a college fund. A basket awaits your old cards in the tower narthex.
THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION…
…is extended to Leonard Marx and Beverly Wenzel at the death of Ceil Marx on December 31st. Ceil was remembered and commended to God at a funeral in our church on Thursday, and she will be buried at Hollywood Memorial Gardens in Union, NJ, on Friday of this week. (Pastor will, therefore, be out of town all day.) Ceil was a St. Johner for 15 years. She sang in the choir; served on council; was a member of the Evangelism Committee; and belonged to WELCA.
…is also extended to Dick and Jan Shelly at the news of the death of Dick’s father, J. Galen.
May Easter’s Peace enfold all.
WOMEN OF WELCA
Monday evening, January 9, the women of the church will meet at 7 pm at the church. Esther will lead the devotional period and Vernetta is the hostess for the evening. Join us for an evening of fellowship and planning for the winter season. (Are candy eggs in your future?)
PHIL WOODWARD…
…suffered a minor stroke several weeks ago, but he is recovering nicely. Our prayers attend him and Lorraine.
SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE 1/15/06
Morning Lector – Kelsey Hafer
Evening Lector – JoNan Shirk
Acolyte – Spencer Frank
Crucifer – Paul Rehkugler
Head Usher – Richard Baker
Ushers – Bob and Wanda Long, and Louise Baker
Altar Care – Louise Baker
Flowers – Michael & Sonia Ross
Bulletins – No one signed up
THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S:
Today Noon ACFLB (private cars)
2:00 ?? Kids return from Winterfest
6:00 pm Contemporary Service
7:00 pm Food N’ Fellowship
Host - ???? See JoNan to volunteer
Monday 6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal
7:00 pm Property Committee
Tuesday 7:00 pm Historical Society
Wednesday 10:00 am Bible Study
6:45 pm Children’s choir practice
7:30 pm Senior Choir Practice
Friday Interment of Ceil Marx in Union, NJ
Saturday Senior Choir Night Out
Next Sunday 9:00 am Sunday School/Catechetics
10:30 am The service
11:30 am Annual Congregational Meeting
12:30 pm ACFLB
6:00 pm Contemporary Service
7:00 p, Food N’ Fellowship
Host = JoNan Shirk