THE EPISTLE LESSON Acts 19:1-7
THE GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:4-11
SERMON "Baptism By Spirit"
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Second Sunday in Epiphany, which is also called "Baptism of the Lord Sunday" in the liturgical calendar. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 1 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (February 19), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of the Lenten season. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.
Our worship experience today begins with reflection on the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, transitions to our annual reaffirmation of our own baptismal vows, and concludes with the act of ordination and installation of church officers. This movement reflects God's acts through the Holy Spirit, which calls us all to ministries of grace and unites us in one baptism through God.
The music through which we worship today is chose to reaffirm our baptismal covenants and give voice to God's call upon our lives. As we reaffirm our baptism, you will be invited to come forward down the center aisle, place your hand in the font, and withdraw a stone, which will serve as a visible symbol and reminder of your baptism throughout the coming year.
The acclamation hymn is a selection from the new denominational hymnal of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The new hymnal, which will be called Glory to God, has been in development since 2004 and is expected to be finalized for publication in fall 2013. As part of a program called "Many Voices, One Song," Westminster will use specific hymns from Glory to God in our worship services on selected dates throughout 2012.
