Sunday Worship
January 11, 2026 - 10 a.m. EST

Prelude - O Day of Radiant Gladness (arr. Dale Wood)
  1. Moderately, 2. Flowing Gently

Ringing of the Church Bell

Call to Worship

One: In water we grow, nestled securely in a mother’s womb.

All: Hold us, O God, in your grace.

One: In water we wash away the dirt and grime of each day.

All: Cleanse us, O God, with your forgiveness.

One: In water we dive, plunging beneath its surface.

All: Raise us, O God, to new and abundant life.

One: In water we are baptized and marked as God’s own.

All: Claim us, O God, as your beloved children.

Hymn 375 - Shall We Gather at the River

Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.

On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. [Refrain]

Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we every burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. [Refrain]

Soon we’ll reach the shining river;
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. [Refrain]

Prayer of the Day [unison]

O God, our Creator, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to our calling as disciples, and empower us with your Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Canticle 288 - Spirit of the Living God

Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.

Melt me; mold me; fill me; use me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.

Sharing the Peace

Welcome and Announcements
Wallace W. Bubar

Old Testament Reading - Isaiah 42:1-9
Gail Klink, liturgist

Anthem - Down to the River to Pray (arr. Sheldon Curry)
Chancel Choir

Word with Children
Kristin Ream

New Testament Reading - Matthew 3:13-17

Sermon - “Gotta Serve Somebody”

Hymn 482 - Baptized in Water

Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Cleansed by the blood of
Christ our King:
Heirs of salvation,
Trusting his promise,
Faithfully now God’s praise we sing.

Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with
Christ our King:
One with his rising,
Freed and forgiven,
Thankfully now God’s praise we sing.

Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Marked with the sign of
Christ our King:
Born of one Father,
We are his children,
Joyfully now God’s praise we sing.

Prayers of the People

One: Lord, in your mercy:

All: Hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer [unison]

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offering

Offertory - Song Without Words, op. 19 no. 4 (Felix Mendelssohn)

Give online at granpres.org/give

Doxology 606 - Praise God, from Whom All Blessing Flow

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Ordination & Installation

Introduction

Elders: Erin Bossart, Meredith Carrington, Kathy Craig, Suzy Henry, Danny Hussey, and Shao-yun Yang

Deacons: Emma Allen, Mel Fraley, Keegan Kirwin, and Gary Yaekle

Constitutional Questions

Prayer of Ordination

Declaration

Sanctus 485 - We Know That Christ Is Raised

We know that Christ is raised and dies no more.
Embraced by death, he broke its fearful hold,
And our despair he turned to blazing joy.
Alleluia!

We share by water in his saving death.
Reborn, we share with him an Easter life
As living members of a living Christ.
Alleluia!

The Father’s splendor clothes the Son with life.
The Spirit’s power shakes the church of God.
Baptized, we live with God, the Three in One.
Alleluia!

 A new creation comes to life and grows
As Christ’s new body takes on flesh and blood.
The universe, restored and whole, will sing:
Alleluia!

Benediction

Postlude - O Day of Radiant Gladness (arr. Dale Wood)
  4. Majestically
Philip Everingham

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service has been obtained from ONE LICENSE with license A-722069.