January 11, 2026 Welcome to Trinity!
Basic Theme: On this Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, when the heavens were torn open, the Spirit descended, and the Father spoke beloved identity over His Son. In Methodist doctrine, baptism is a sacrament— an outward sign of inward grace, initiating us into Christ’ s covenant family, forgiving sin, and imparting the Holy Spirit. Whether sprinkled as infants or immersed as adults, baptism is God’ s“ Yes” to us before we can say“ Yes” back.
Sermon Snapshot( Key Points): At the Jordan, Jesus did not need cleansing— He came to stand with us in the waters of repentance. The heavens ripped open, the Spirit fluttered down like a dove, and the Father thundered,“ This is My Beloved Son.” That same voice spoke over every baptized person:“ You are Mine.” Psalm 29 reminds us the voice of the Lord is powerful, majestic, and still breaks over the waters today. Baptism is not a past event— it is an open heaven we are invited to keep living under.
So What? Do you live as if the heavens are permanently torn open over your life, or do you still feel distant from God’ s voice and presence most days? When life feels chaotic, do you return to the truth that God has already spoken beloved identity over you in your baptism, or do you let circumstances redefine who you are? If someone watched your week, would they conclude that the Holy Spirit who descended on Jesus at baptism is clearly active in you?
Do This! Place a small bowl of water by your bed at night. Every morning this week, before your feet hit the floor, dip your fingers, make the sign of the cross on your forehead, and say out loud:“ I belong to Christ. The heavens are open. I remember my baptism and am thankful.”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17; Psalm 29:1-4( NIV)
13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized 11:11am Service Information: by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying,“ I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied,“ Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said,“ This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
1
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Bill Maetschke, Praise Team Leader
2
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
3
The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4
The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
Opening Music: Yes I Will Holy Water Left It In The River Communion Song: Good, Good Father Closing Song: Cathedral
Vertical Worship We The Kingdom Jamie McDonald
Chris Tomlin
Cageless Birds
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