Soli Deo Gloria Sydney Lee, cello

Sonata in B-flat Major Antonio Vivaldi

I. Largo

II. Allegro

III. Largo

IV. Allegro

Cello Suite No. 1 Johann Sebastian Bach

Call to Worship

Invocation

Hymn 168: I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art Toulon

Prayer of Confession

Loving God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we sin daily, repeatedly transgressing your commandments by thought, word, and deed. There is no one else we can cry to for help but you, the only God and Savior. Forgive us for the times we seek to justify ourselves, thinking we are somehow good enough to merit your favor. Forgive us when we consider ourselves better than others, for believing they are more deserving of your judgment than we are. Save us from the temptation to excuse our behavior, but help us to turn to you and your mercy when we sin. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Gospel’s Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.

Doxology (Trinity Hymnal 732) Tallis’ Canon

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Prayer of Illumination (concluding with The Lord’s Prayer)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1–17 (page 808)

Sermon: Prepare the Way of the Beloved Rev. Gavin Lymberopoulos

Hymn 420: At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing St. George’s, Windsor

Offering Prayer

Offertory: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Trinity Hymnal 252) Bob Chilcott

Tenth Church Choir

Question of Preparation (from the Heidelberg Catechism, 21; congregation reads answer in unison)

Question: What is true faith?

Answer: True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in his Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (gluten-free bread is in the center cup)

Words of Institution

Distribution of the Bread: Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands (Trinity Hymnal 427) Hamburg

Distribution of the Cup: Let Thy Blood in Mercy Poured (Trinity Hymnal 429) Jesus, Meine Zuversicht

Proclamation of the Mystery of Our Faith: Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!

Hymn 77: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Andrews

Benediction

Choral Response: Threefold Amen Traditional

Postlude: Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV 686 (Psalm 130) Johann Sebastian Bach

Serving this evening:
Travers Oliver, platform
Aaron Patterson, organist