WELCOME TO WORSHIP
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus.
PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP
Lord Jesus Christ, in humility you came to this world as Mary’s son. Thank you for also revealing yourself as the Son of God, the promised Servant anointed with the Holy Spirit, the One set apart for the task of being the blemish-free sacrifice of atonement for me. As I look at my own identity today, reveal what my baptism means and how it connects to your identity. Shine your light on the truth of who I am and what I can do thanks to you. In your name I pray. Amen.
CHOIR There’s a Song in the Air
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING 1 Samuel 16:1–13
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 2D
SECOND READING Titus 3:4–7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Mark 1:11
GOSPEL Luke 3:15–17, 21–22
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 377 To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord
SERMON Luke 3:15–17, 21–22 Don’t Get Baptism Backwards
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 679 God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 692 All Who Believe and Are Baptized
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY ARE BACK!
Sunday School and all Bible studies are back as of today. Blessings on your growing in the Word and the strengthening of your faith and the faith of your children!
NOW WHAT?
Have you asked that question as a Christian? Maybe you just learned or feel pretty confident in the basics of the Christian faith, but now you ask, “Now what? Where do I go from here?” Maybe you’ve found yourself pondering different aspects of earthly life or in different situations, and you ask, “Now what do I do?” Our next midweek study will help with just that.
Our next midweek study is entitled Living My Life as a Christian. Putting your Christian faith into practice is a lifelong pursuit that requires consistent guidance, solid biblical wisdom, and daily reminders of God’s grace. Originally written as a follow-up to a Bible Information Class, this course addresses a wide variety of Christian living topics that new and seasoned believers often struggle to apply to their lives, from maintaining a regular prayer habit to managing God’s gifts wisely.
The course covers the following 12 lessons: My Life as I Am Led by God, Understanding My Faith, My Motivation in Life, My Life as a Free Child of God, My Life as I Speak to God, My Life as I Worship God, My Life as a Christian Man or Woman, My Life as I Encourage Others, My Life as I Manage God’s Gifts to Me, My Life as I Confess My Faith, My Life as I Profess My Faith, My Life as a Member of God’s Church.
Join us on Tuesdays/Wednesdays starting on January 7th as we dive into our lives as Christians.
NEXT BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS
Our next Bible Information Class (our class for church membership) will begin on Monday, January 20, at 6:00 pm. Please contact Pastor Groth if you plan to attend. pastor@stpaulsbangor.com
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Envelopes for our giving to the Lord have arrived and can be found in (generally) alphabetical order in the basement.
3K & 4K OPEN HOUSE
If you have a child that will be eligible for 3K or 4K for the 2025-2026 school year, we invite you and your family to our Open House on Saturday, February 1st from 9:00-11:00am! This event is the perfect opportunity for your family to learn more about the new program being offered at our school. St. Paul’s members interested in reserving a spot for their child must apply by March 1st. Learn more at stpaulsbangor.com/school/3k-4k-program.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE THANK YOU
Dear St. Paul’s Students, Staff and Volunteers,
It is with sincere and heartfelt joy and gratitude that we wish to thank our students, staff and volunteers for the wonderful presentation of the traditional Christmas Eve program. The hard work and talent which goes into this program was displayed in the excellence of the singing, recitations and music. One cannot help but to be uplifted by the program and its expression of the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps it is ironic to quote Peanuts in a church document. But to quote Linus, “And that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”
Dan Arndt, Council President
On behalf of St. Paul’s Congregation and Council
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
6:30 pm PACE Meeting
MONDAY 7:00 pm Choir Practice
TUESDAY 7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
6:30 pm Public School Catechism Class
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion