January 19, 2025

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11
Sermon: New Things

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5 page 1 in the Old Testament of your pew bibles

When God began to create[a] the heavens and the earth,the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God[b] swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11 on page 34 in the New Testament of your pew bibles

So John the baptizer appeared[a] in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And the whole Judean region 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 strap of his sandals. I have baptized you with[b] water, but he will baptize you with[c]the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved;[d] with you I am well pleased.”

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Thanks be to God.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this service!

Service Leader: Rev. Jessica McCrae

Musicians:

Dr. Deborah Henry, Miguel Brito, our choir & Pat McKee on guitar

Greeter: Judy Berube

Scripture reader: Erica Gilchrist

Baptism Coordination: Barb Duffin

Sound: Brenda Williams

Live Streaming and Slides: Charlotte Taylor