At His baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus identified completely with us sinful beings and took His first public step toward the cross. As He did so, the Holy Spirit anointed Him, and the Father was well pleased! The Baptism of our Lord thus tells us that the Holy Trinity is unmistakably for us and determined to work out our redemption. The Lord’s Supper tells us that God is still unmistakably for us and has, in fact, worked out our redemption. Here the very body and blood with which Christ earned our forgiveness is present for us to eat and drink. As this gift is received today, guests desiring to commune are kindly asked to speak with the pastor or an elder before the service. In joyful obedience to Scripture, we practice close communion.
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
In His Baptism, Jesus Takes His Place with Sinners
January 11, 2026
AS WE GATHER: Our Lord Jesus is baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:13-17). He partakes of al baptism for sinners in order that He might be our substitute and bear the judgment we deserve. In the water, Jesus trades places with us. Our sin becomes His sin. His righteousness becomes our righteousness. Our glory, therefore, is in “Christ Jesus, who became to us . . . righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:26-31). Jesus is the “chosen” One sent from the Father to release us from the prison house of sin and death (Is. 42:1-7). Baptized into Christ, we also become the chosen ones, beloved of the Father. We cross the Jordan with Jesus (Joshua 3) through death into the promised land of new life with God.
Take a moment to notice the * at the beginning of various portions of the order of service. The * indicates the place where it is inappropriate to enter or leave the sanctuary because it marks a time of prayer or respect for the Word of the Lord. Please be considerate of others around you by honoring these notations.
PARTICIPATING:
Worship Leader/Preacher Pastor Justin D. Kane
Organist Mrs. Kolleen Hosford
Worship Elder Mr. Alan Kleinendorst
Mr. Kevin McCrindle
Lay Reader Mrs. Barb Gregersen
Greeters Carol Gustafson/
Alan Kleinendorst
Door Greeter Brian Williams
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service I
Announcements
Opening Hymn: LSB 548 “Thanks to Thee, O Christ, Victorious”
*Confession/Absolution: LSB 151
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie: LSB 152ff
*Gloria in Excelsis: LSB 154
*Salutation: LSB 156
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: Father in heaven,
People: at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-7 Pew Bible Page 1124
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Pew Bible Page 1773
*Alleluia and Verse: LSB 156
*Holy Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Pew Bible Page 1499
*Nicene Creed: LSB 158
Hymn of the Day: LSB 407 “To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord”
Sermon
Offertory LSB 159
*Prayer of the Church
Prayer of the Church—Responsive Form
The Baptism of Our Lord
11 January 2026
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Heavenly Father, You have revealed Your Son to us in the wondrous Epiphany in the Jordan. So also You have revealed Your name and blessing to us in Holy Baptism, declaring us Your beloved heirs. Grant that we may daily die to sin and rise to newness of life, living with joy as Your baptized children. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, prosper Your Church. Bless Matthew, our Synod president; Brian, our district president; David, our circuit visitor; Justin, our pastor(s); all church workers; and those preparing for vocations in Your service. Make them wise unto salvation and faithful in all the duties and responsibilities assigned to them for our benefit. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, preserve the family, especially all Christian homes. Turn husband and wife toward one another in love, equip fathers and mothers for their holy duty as teachers of the faith, and preserve all children in the saving faith and certain promises of their Baptism unto life everlasting. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, there are no authorities except those You ordain. Give our leaders hearts like Christ, their Lord, who tends the smoldering wick and the bruised reed and rules always in righteousness. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful God, Your Son reigns in gentleness and rules for the sake of the downcast. Bind up those who are troubled and broken, and open their eyes to His grace. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, in Holy Baptism You have opened the heavens to Your children. Grant that all those baptized into Your Son would worthily receive the heavenly feast of His body and blood for their forgiveness, life and salvation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, You have brought eternal life to us through the death of Your Son. Grant that we who have come through Baptism and have died to this world would ever more and more live in the resurrected life of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, You manifested Yourself with the Holy Spirit in the fullness of grace at the Baptism of Your dear Son. With Your voice, You directed us to the One who has borne our sins, that we may receive grace and forgiveness. Keep us, we implore You, in the true faith. Since we have been baptized in accordance with Your command and the example of Your Son, strengthen our faith by Your Holy Spirit and lead us to everlasting life and salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Prayer of the Church—Responsive Form
*Lords Prayer LSB 162
*Benediction LSB 166
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
LSB 160ff
Distribution Hymns:
“If Your Beloved Son, O God” LSB 568
“Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered” LSB 404
*Thank the Lord: LSB 164
*Post-Communion Collect: LSB 166
*Benediction: LSB 166
Closing Hymn: LSB 739 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705