EPIPHANY
The feast of Epiphany occurs on January 6th, immediately following the 12th and final day of Christmas. Epiphany (meaning "manifestation, or "appearance") marks the arrival of the Magi, and celebrates the revelation of Jesus as a Light for all the nations. In the weeks following Epiphany, the Church reflects on Jesus' baptism and his teaching and healing ministry that began with the first of his signs at the wedding feast in Cana.

REFLECTION

In the first century, Jesus of Nazareth inspired a movement. A community of people whose lives were centered on Jesus Christ and committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial, and redemptive love. Before they were called “church” or “Christian,” this Jesus Movement was simply called ‘the way’.

— Rev. Dr. Michael Curry,

Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Most of what we do in worldly life is geared toward our staying dry, looking good, not going under.  But in baptism, in lakes and rain and tanks and fonts, you agree to do something that’s a little sloppy because at the same time, it’s also holy, and absurd. It’s about surrender, giving in to all those things we can’t control; it’s a willingness to let go of balance and decorum and to get drenched.

— Anne Lamont,
from Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith

COLLECT
Lord of the desert river, you search our depths and call us by name: may your flame-born Spirit open the heavens that we might recognize you in the one born of earth, Jesus Christ, the Gift of Peace. Amen.

PRELUDE

GREETING
Rev. Stephen Gundlach (he/him), Worship Leader

Leader: The Lord be with you.    

ALL: And also with you.

PREPARATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

God anointed Christ to console the afflicted.

Come, let us worship the Lord our Comforter! 

God anointed Christ to emancipate the enslaved. 

Come, let us worship the Lord our liberator! 

God anointed Christ to bind up the wounded. 

Come, let us worship the Lord our healer! 

God anointed Christ to deliver the troubled. 

Come, let us worship the Lord our Savior!

PRAYER OF ADORATION

PRAISE

SONGS

Night Has Passed
from the Book of Common Prayer · John Arndt, David Gungor, Eric Marshall, 2016

Come, Holy Ghost
"Veni, Creator Spiritus" attr. Rhabanus Maurus, ca. 800; tr. by Richard Mant, 1837 · Bruce Benedict, Ray Mills, 2005

RENEWAL

CALL TO CONFESSION
from Isaiah 43:1-5

Listen to what the Lord says to his people, the one who created you, the one who formed you: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Do not fear, for I am with you.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

You share your love with every people; e draw limits of race and creed. Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

You immerse yourself in love of life; we hold back in fear and shame. Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy

You change the water into wine; we refuse to let our hearts be moved. Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy. Amen.

SILENT CONFESSION

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
from Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7, NRSV

Through Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace. This is the good news.

Thanks be to God!

PASSING THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

SONG

Peace Like A River
African-American spiritual

BLESSING OUR CHILDREN & YOUTH    

Leader: People of God, what is our prayer for our children and youth? 

People: May the Lord be with you. 

Children: And also with you.

Leader:  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” May the Lord fill you with the love of Christ, and may your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

All: Thanks be to God!

SONG OF ASSURANCE

Altogether Good
Brian Eichelberger, Zach Bolen, 2020

COMMITMENT

WORDS OF WELCOME

Up Coming Events Here >

SCRIPTURE
Mark 1:4-11, NRSV
Rhonda Wilson, Reader

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON
Rev. Fred Harrell (he/him)

Stepping Into the Jordan with Jesus

OFFERING OURSELVES & OUR GIFTS

The offering is a way for Christians to support the mission and ministry of the church. Christians offer a sacrificial portion of their resources–time, talents, possessions–as an act of faith and gratitude in response to God’s grace. While many at City Church make their regular contributions through online giving and automated bill pay, offerings are a part of our worship service as an opportunity for the regular, proportionate and generous giving of the resources God has given us.

GIVE HERE

OFFERING PRAYER

O God, at his baptism, you acknowledged Jesus as your beloved Son, and revealed your loving     presence with us. May these gifts we return to you be a sign of our gratitude, as we seek to live     out the way of Jesus in the world you have made. Amen.

MUSICAL OFFERING

When Christ’s Appearing Was Made Known
Caelius Sedulius, 5th c., Tr. John M Neale, 19th c. · Michael Van Patter, 2011

COMMUNION

Guidelines for Reception of Communion

Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committed followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel, who are at peace with God and with their neighbor, and who seek strength to live more faithfully for Christ. If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with His people, the church.

INVITATION TO THE LORDS TABLE

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed 

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts!

We lift them up to the Lord!

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

SONG

Sanctus
Karl Digerness, ©2012

Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD & CUP

The Gifts of God for the People of God

COMMUNION PRAYER

Lord of all time and eternity, you opened the heavens and revealed yourself as Father in the baptism of Jesus your beloved Son: by the power of your Spirit complete the heavenly work of our rebirth through the waters of the new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

SONG

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
James Montgomery, 1821 · Sandra McCracken, 2012

BENEDICTION

May Christ, who draws the nations to himself, teach us to love our enemies; may Christ, who enters the water of baptism, lead us to die to all but love; may Christ, who gives new wine for the world, turn our bitterness into joy; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE

MUSICIANS

Jeff Marrs, drums
Jason Muscat, bass
Adam Shulman, piano
Minna Choi, vocals
Karl Digerness, guitar/vocal