16 Jan Worship Bulletin – 1/16/22
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Masks are required at all church activities including worship service.
Gathering Hymn
Video Welcome
Gathering Music | “How Great Thou Art”
Sylvia Wolcott, cowbells
Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Karlene Tyler
Opening Words | inspired by Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:4-11, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
written by Caela Wood, Pastor at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan, Kansas
The heavens open. The Spirit descends. Jesus emerges from the water
And a voice echoes through the blue expanse. “This is my child, the Beloved, with whom I am well-pleased.”
Jesus is named. Claimed.
We come to the water. We remember we are named. Claimed.
Can it be so? What a thing to be named. Claimed.
Let us worship the one who names and claims us still.
Opening Song | “Here in this Place” | #6
Story for the Children | Outreach Team
Video Invitation to Give
Musical Offering | “Down to the River to Pray” | on screens
Congregation led by Allan and Deb van Asselt
Refrain:
As I went down to the river to pray, studyin’ about the good old way, and who shall wear the starry crown.
Good Lord, show me the way.
Vs 1: (Women only)
Oh sisters, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh sisters, let’s go down, down to the river to pray.
Refrain
Vs 2: (Men only)
Oh brothers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Come on brothers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray.
Refrain
Vs 3: (All)
Oh fathers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh fathers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray.
Refrain
Vs 4: (All)
Oh mothers, let’s go down, come on down, don’t you wanna go down. Come on mothers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray.
Refrain
Vs 5: (All)
Oh sinners, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh sinners, let’s go down, down to the river to pray.
Refrain
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Scripture Focus | Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
3:15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,
3:16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie
the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 3:17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and
to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when
Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Message | “Come to the River …” | Jerry Bowen
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message
Sending Song | “I was there to hear your Borning Cry”
Please be seated after the song
Sending Words
Sending Music | “How Majestic is Your Name” | arr. John Carter
Sylvia Wolcott and Ellen Gilbert, 4-hand piano
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming