We are counting the weeks after Epiphany and attempting to get a glimpse of what life as the people of God might be like. We consider some of the most famous passages of scripture to help us shape a vision of the life we are called to live—not just a special, rise-to-the-occasion kind of life, but an everyday life, an ordinary life that isn’t ordinary. We are the evidence that our faith is true and our God is at work in the world. In other words, we are now the epiphany, the light shining forth for the world to see. And of course, we will fail from time to time. But how we deal with failure is also a sign of that presence and glimpse of the kin-dom. So, this ordinary time is extra-ordinary in the living of it. Let us embrace the call with grace and with joy.

Abbreviations:

TFWS: The Faith We Sing
UMH: The United Methodist Hymnal
W&S: Worship and Song

Theme Hymn: Bring Forth the Kingdom TFWS 2190

Service Music: Sweet, Sweet Spirit UMH 334

Closing Hymn: Blest Be the Tie that Binds UMH 557
Be Thou My Vision UMH 451

January 8, 2023 - The Water’s Fine

The Baptism of the Lord is a perfect time to remind ourselves of the commitment to live a life of grace and hope outwardly. If you observed Epiphany Sunday last week, then this week follows in the usual pattern. If you focused on New Year’s last week and saved the Epiphany recognition for this week, then you can combine the two.

When Jesus Came to Jordan UMH 252
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry TFWS 2051
Baptized in Water TFWS 2248
Wade in the Water TFWS 2107
At the Font We Start Our Journey TFWS 2114
We Know That Christ Is Raised UMH 610
Sweet, Sweet Spirit UMH 334
Anthem: “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” arr. K. Lee Scott https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/productgroup/1847/Gracious-Spirit-Dwell-with-Me