💧 Baptism of Jesus — A holy reminder that we are already known, already claimed, and already beloved… and that belovedness commissions us to live with courage.

Worship Service – January 11, 2026 | Baptism of Christ

Bulletin – 01-11-2026

Scripture: Matthew 3:13–17

This Sunday at Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, we gathered to celebrate the Baptism of Christ—a day centered not on achievement, but on identity. In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is named beloved before he performs a miracle, preaches a sermon, or takes a single step toward the cross. Worship invited us to receive that same truth: we are loved, claimed, and called—not because we have earned it, but because we belong to God.

Our centering prayer framed the service with gentleness and clarity: before we speak or sing or try to make sense of anything, we remember that we are already known and already loved. The Call to the Heart echoed this invitation, drawing us toward “the welcoming waters of grace” and the voice that calls us precious and whole.

In the Gospel reading, Matthew 3:13–17, Jesus comes to be baptized by John, and heaven breaks open: the Spirit descends like a dove, and the voice of God declares, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The story reminds us that belovedness is not sentimental—it is foundational. It is the grounding that makes faithful living possible.

Pastor Chris preached a sermon titled “The World Is Waiting and the Waters Are Calling,” inviting us to hear baptism as both affirmation and commissioning. The waters tell the truth about who we are—and then they send us out. God’s love is not meant to stay contained in private comfort; it becomes public courage. To remember we are beloved is to step into the world with a steadier heart, a clearer purpose, and a deeper commitment to justice.

A particularly powerful moment in the service was the Affirmation of Baptism. Congregants were invited forward to receive a blessing with water from the baptismal font—whether or not they have ever been baptized—because God’s love exists before and beyond any ritual. As the choir sang “Wade in the Water,” we were reminded that God still “troubles the water,” calling us into renewal, solidarity, and the messy places where love becomes action.

We also marked a significant moment in the life of the church through the installation of Elders and Deacons and the recognition of service from the Consistory Class of 2025. With prayer, covenant, and the laying on of hands, we celebrated leaders who have answered God’s call for the flourishing of the congregation and the healing of the world.

📖🙏 Order of Worship Highlights:

• Prelude: “For the Beauty of the Earth”
• Introit: “Holy Ground”
• Hymn: “Beautiful Jesus”
• Modern Lesson: Rachel Held Evans (from Searching for Sunday)
• Gospel Lesson: Matthew 3:13–17
• Sermon: “The World Is Waiting and the Waters Are Calling” — Rev. Christopher Czarnecki
• Affirmation of Baptism: with music “Wade in the Water”
• Offertory: “On Eagle’s Wings”
• Installation of Elders and Deacons: including laying on of hands
• Closing Hymn: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart”
• Postlude: “Amazing Grace”

“Knowing we are beloved gives us the courage to live, to love, and to seek justice.” — bell hooks