BUC Worship Service – January 11, 2026
Balzac United Church
January 11, 2026, 10:00am
Guest Minister: Rev. Robert Mutlow
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn
Prelude You are Mine arr. M. Hayes
Welcome and Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
Message link
Land Acknowledgement
As we gather, together let us pause to remember that we live, work, and
worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Nations of
Treaty 7. As Christ’s people, may we be people of love, of truth, and of
reconciliation. May we live with respect on this land, and in peace and
friendship with its people.
Lighting The Christ Candle
Call to Worship Epiphany 1 – Baptism of our Lord
Come, let us gather on this first Sunday of Epiphany,
Searching with the Magi, stargazers and seekers.
Come, let us offer our gifts, to honour the birth of Christ.
Bringing our highest visions and finest energies.
Come! Let us follow Jesus to the Jordan River to be baptized.
Water-washed and renewed for the year to come.
Come, let us renew our Baptism vocation to be followers of the Way.
Seeking to live in right relationship with all creation.
Come, let us take our place as carriers of the light of Christ,
Singing and rejoicing in this Season of Epiphany.
Opening Hymn When Jesus Comes to Be Baptized
VU #100
Opening Prayer
Candles of Joy, Concern, & Sorrow
(Congregational members are invited to come forward and offer prayer
requests and light candles.)
In the water of Baptism, the dove descends, and a voice proclaims,
“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
As Jesus was named, claimed and chosen in his Baptism,
We are named, claimed and chosen as a “Beloved One.”
When we come to the Jordan riverbank with heavy hearts,
Our burdens are lifted and hope is restored.
When we come to the riverbank with questions and doubts,
Our fears are named and faced.
When we come to the riverbank anxious about the year to come,
Our faith helps to step out in courage and live in the light.
Song A Light is Gleaming VU #82 (Seated)
Scripture Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 42.1-9 “A New Thing”
Response: Behold, Behold, I Make All Things New
MV #115 (X3)
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3.13-17
“Jesus’ Baptism”
Special The Power of Your Love
Solo: Dr. Alex Shawn arr. C. Tornquist
Message Water Washed!
Hymn I was There to Hear your Borning Cry VU #644
RENEWAL OF BAPTISM VOWS
Profession of Faith – A New Creed VU Page 918
Blessing of the Water
Blessed are you, Creator of the Universe,
Maker of heaven and earth, Keeper of sky and sea.
At the beginning, your Spirit was at work,
Brooding over the waters of creation’s birth.
In the fullness of time, you gave us Jesus,
Nurtured in the waters of Mary’s womb,
Baptized by John in the River Jordan,
Named and claimed as a Beloved Child.
Holy One, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this water,
That this font may become for us the womb of new birth.
(Water is poured into the font.)
Rejoice and give thanks for this water, well-spring of new life.
Thanks be to God. Hallelujah and Amen.
Remembering Our Baptism
Remember your Baptism and rejoice! Amen.
Sung Response Halle, Halle, Hallelujah VU Pg. 958
Invitation to Baptism Renewal
You are invited to come forward, dip your hand in the water, make
the sign of the cross, and give thanks for your Baptism.
Offertory On Eagle’s Wings arr. M. Hayes
Prayer of Presentation
Closing Prayer
Prayer of the Day & Lord’s Prayer
Holy One, make us glad in this Season of Epiphany:
this season of light and new beginnings.
May the waters of Baptism wash over us,
encouraging and strengthening us in this New Year.
Draw us together in love and service in this community of faith,
creating a safe place for all to gather in hope.
Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,
knowing that our times are held within your hands.
Until that day when our work is done,
and we take our place with the great cloud of witnesses. Amen.
Our Father…
Closing Hymn I Am the Light of the World VU #87
Benediction
Postlude Rain Down arr. M. Hayes
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