†CALL TO WORSHIP:                                                                                                  
One: Arise, shine; for your light has come,
All: And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
One: Jesus said: I am the light of the world.
All: Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
†OPENING HYMN: Blue # 63          “As with Gladness Men of Old”
CALL TO CONFESSION:                                                                      
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:                                                                          
God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from those who are disadvantaged; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and baptize us once again in your Spirit, that, forgiven and renewed, we may show forth in your glory, shining in the face of Jesus Christ. Hear us now as we confess our sins in silence.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: In Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
†PASSING OF THE PEACE
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: Blue# 579     “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in us any voice but your own, that, hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 42: 1-9 Matthew 3:13-19
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE:                                  “The Promise Holds”                       Rev. Ray Thomas
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: (from the PCUSA A Brief Statement of Faith)
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Chris, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil. Delivering us from death to life eternal.
SPECIAL MUSIC:                
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING                
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF RULING ELDERS
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
†CLOSING HYMN: Blue : #525            “Here I Am, Lord”
†BENEDICTION:                  
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING:        “Emmanuel”