January 18, 2026                     

BAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY

Welcome to our Service of Prayer, of Song, and of Experiencing the Spirit within and among us.

              

Lead Minister: The Rev. Jope Langejans

Music Director: Cody Obst

Minister Emeritus: Rev. Gerry Scharff  

Honorary Associate Ministers: Rev. Clint Mooney & Rev. Kelley Warner

Chair of Council: Vacant

Reader: Peggy Gibennus

In the pulpit today: Bob and Peggy Gibennus

Sitting in for Cody today: Chellan Hoffman

“You are a beloved child of God, and that is the most important thing about you.”
— Desmond Tutu

Gathering 

(*Indicates that you may stand if you are able…)   

                 

PRELUDE   

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                              

  

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

*HYMN:          “I am the Light of the World”           VU 87            

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

           

One: In this place, on the lands cared for by the first nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the peoples of Treaty 7 and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, we gather as people seeking God’s presence.

All: The Spirit who hovered over the waters hovers here among us.

One: As Jesus stepped into the Jordan, embracing humanity and all its uncertainty, so we step into this moment—bringing our hopes, our questions, and our longing for renewal.

All: The heavens opened then; may our hearts open now.

 

One: God names us beloved. God calls us to justice, compassion, and courage.

All: We come to worship the One who calls, who claims, and who sends us into the world with love.

 

HYMN:             “Spirit of Life”                                    VU 381

           

Opening Prayer: (Unison)

 

Holy One,
We come into this moment longing for Your presence,
trusting that You are already here—
in the land beneath our feet,
in the breath within our bodies,
and in the hope that stirs our hearts awake.

As Jesus stepped into the waters of the Jordan,
step into our worship today.
Wash away our hurry, our worry, our distractions.
Open our ears to Your voice that still speaks:
“You are my beloved.”

In Your holy presence we pray.
Amen.

Engaging the Sacred Text       

(Reader: Peggy Gibennus)                                                                                           

HYMN:   “Come and Find the Quiet Centre”            VU 374           

ENGAGING THE SACRED TEXT:

  • First reading:    Isaiah 42:1-9

  • Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43

  • Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17

                       

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
All: Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON / MESSAGE: (Bob)   “What is Baptism Anyway?”

Online Sunday Worship Service

Responding

 

*HYMN:          “Oh a Song Must Rise”                      MV 142

 

OFFERING INVITATION:

 

OFFERING MUSICAL SELECTION

 

*RECEIVING THE GIFTS

 

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”           VU 541

                                                          

PRAYER of DEDICATION:

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Leader: God of Light and Life, hear our prayer.

ALL:      And in Your Love, Answer.

 

LORD’S PRAYER

 

*COMMISSIONING: (unison)

Called by God, we go in faith.
Blessed by Christ, we go in hope.
Guided by the Spirit, we go in love.
Together, we go to be a blessing.

 

EXTINGUISHING THE FLAME

 

* HYMN:         “Will You Come and Follow Me”       VU 567

 

BENEDICTION

 

POSTLUDE

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