Our United Church Creed
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us. We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
A Service of Baptism for
Robert John McGinnis
Rev. Phil Hobbs, Presiding
Music as the Community Gathers – Sam Hirst
Words of Welcome
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Invitation to Worship
We have gathered here this morning to celebrate both the Festival of All Saints – and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We have gathered to welcome a new member into our Community of Faith at Picton United Church. Thanks be to God – Kind Creator, Compassionate Friend, Ever-Present Spirit – who invites – each and all on this holy day. By this encounter with Holy Mystery who is Wholly Love, may we be enabled and empowered by the Spirit, to go out when our Service of Worship ends, to love the world in Jesus’ name. Let us worship God.
Opening Prayer
On this All Saints Day, Holy One, we are grateful for the opportunity to gather for worship. We give thanks for all those who have gathered here in days gone by. Some of them were known to us. Some of them were dear to our hearts. There are many whose names we do not recall. Inspire us today, by the example of this great cloud of witnesses – that we might run with perseverance the race that is set before us. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Baptismal Hymn VU#644 ‘I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
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I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized to see your life unfold.
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I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.
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When you heard the wonder of the word, I was there to cheer you on; you were raised to praise the living Lord to whom you now belong.
Statement of Purpose – Bible Reading
“Parents were bringing their children to Jesus so that he could place his hands on their heads and offer his blessing to them. But Jesus’ disciples spoke sternly to the Moms & Dads, Grandparents, and other family members.
‘Don’t you know that Jesus is a busy Teacher? He doesn’t have time for this! Take those children out of here!’
When Jesus heard this, he was indignant and disturbed by the action and words of the disciples.
Jesus proclaimed: ‘Let the children come to me and do not prevent them. God’s kingdom belongs to little ones such as these!’
Jesus took the children into his arms, laid his hands on their heads, and offered them God’s blessing.”
Presentation of Dana & Tim with Robert John
Profession of Faith & Promises
Congregational Commitment
Affirmation of Faith
Prayer of Thanksgiving & Pouring of the Water
The Act of Baptism
Blessing & Signing with the Sign of the Cross
Prayer for the Gifts of God’s Spirit
Presentation of the Baptism Candle
Declaration & Congregational Welcome
Parting Hymn: VU# 705 “For All the Saints”
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For all the saints who from their labours rest, all who by faith before the world confessed, your name of Jesus be forever blest, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
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You were their rock, their fortress and their might: you were their captain in the well-fought fight; you in darkness drear their one true light, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
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O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one within your great design, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
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But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day, the saints triumphant rise in bright array: as God to glory calls them all away. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
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From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son & Holy Ghost: Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Commissioning & Blessing
Extinguishing the Candles
Music as We Move into the World – Sam Hirst
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