Call to Worship

         "Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy are those who are not accused of doing wrong by the LORD, who are free from deceit. Before I confessed my sins, my bones felt limp, and I groaned all day long. Night and day your hand weighed heavily on me, and my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I confessed my sins to you. I didn’t try to hide. And you forgave me and took away my guilt."              (Psalm 32:1-5)
         Sisters and brothers, God has gathered us together, that we might be set free from what dries us up and saps our strength, what weighs us down and makes us groan. Don’t hide your sins from the Lord. Right now, just come as you are, release your sin into his loving hands, and receive what you really need. God’s grace IS amazing! Stand, if you are able, and sing. Not with a "groan," but full of joy and free from what seeks to pull you down. Lift his name up high! Let your spirit soar!

Opening Prayer

         God of glory, Lord of love, our hearts cannot help but unfold like flowers before you. Wherever we turn, we see the work of your hands. You are the master builder, the craftsman of creation. Amazingly enough, even though we so often fall far short of what you created us to be, you use us in your continuing work. Forgive and live in us, that we might be your tools. This we pray in the name of the Carpenter’s Son. Amen.

Celebrating Fathers

         Yes, Jesus was a carpenter’s son. He grew up learning Joseph’s trade in that shop in Nazareth. How many hours did they spend as father and son, passing on and receiving not only the details of carpentry, but also such things as character and love. No doubt much of what Jesus learned came not through what Joseph said, but what he did.
         Yes, Jesus was a carpenter’s son. THE Carpenter’s Son. The "Creator" was his "Father," we say... Such things as character and love are passed on through words. But more important are the deeds that reveal the truth.
         Earthly fathers are important. We, who are entrusted by God with children - for but a season - have a marvelous privilege. The master Carpenter has given us the opportunity to help fashion a child on his or her way to becoming an adult. What a joy! Of course, much of what they learn from us is not from what we say, but from what we do. Right?
         Well, to honor the fathers among us today, we aren’t going to pass around candles (as we did on Mother’s Day), but cookies. We thought of tools, but... We need some children up front now to help. If someone looks like they might be a father, give them a cookie. If they’re not, they can tell you so. As you give a cookie, give a hug as well. Dads like hugs, too! Oh, one more thing. Make sure your own father gets to eat the cookie.

Vows of Commitment

Minister: Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive him as your Savior and Lord?

Candidate: I do.

Minister: Will you turn away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live according to the example and teachings of Jesus?

Candidate: I will.

Minister: Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service?

Candidate: I will.

Congregation: "With joy we receive you as part of this congregation. With you we renew and reaffirm our vows of faith. We promise to surround you with the love and encouragement that will enable you to grow strong in compassion, vigorous in service, and sure in the way of Christ."
           ("congregation" part by Carol A. Wise, For All Who Minister, ©1993, Brethren Press, Elgin IL)

Minister: Let's go and prepare for baptism.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Continue to think about what it means for Christ to live in you. Each day offers another opportunity to discover more about this "living arrangement" we have in the Spirit. When the apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to "work out (their) own salvation with fear and trembling," (Philippians 2:12) he meant to "bring it to the surface," to work it "out" as God had worked it "in."

If this One whom God sent to save us "lives in us," then we already have - within us - what we need in order to make him visible to others through how we live. Think about that, brothers and sisters, as you return your offering.

One more thing - hopefully you aren’t tired of this song we’re trying to learn in Spanish for our upcoming visitors from the Dominican Republic. We’re singing it again. The Lord, our "Senor," HAS come to THIS lakeshore. Amen.

Baptism

Minister:  (name) , upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name         (trine immersion, forward, fully "dunked")
               - of the Father,
               - and of the Son,
               - and of the Holy Spirit.

         O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name) . May (he/she) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (him/her) to guide and to empower. Enable (him/her) to walk in newness of life, using (his/her) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Unison Closing Prayer

Gracious God,
         grant that the words we have heard this day
         may be so grafted within our hearts
         that they bring forth fruit
         to the honor and praise of your name,
         through Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

(Hymnal #752 - adapted from "Order of Worship," Worship the Lord. Reformed Church of America and Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987.)