Sunday 10 January 2021 is the First Sunday after Epiphany.
This is a virtual service and, for the first time, the sermon, readings and prayers are all presented in video format, by Rev. Geoff McKee, below.
The Lectionary readings are: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; and Mark 1:4-13.
The passage from Mark forms the basis for Geoff’s sermon and it is set out immediately below, with the (video) prayers/readings/sermon below that and, finally, Katherine Robertson’s musical selection.
Main reading
Mark 1:4-13 (New International Version)
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptised by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Today’s service
Musical selection
The hymn How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds is based on the Song of Solomon 1:3.
The lyrics were written by John Newton, who wrote over 200 hymns, including Amazing Grace and Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken.
Roger Jones of Christian Music Ministries composed the music to this lovely version and it is featured in Roger’s “Hymn Collection”. It is beautifully sung by Devon Brown of CMM.
This is a wonderful hymn of praise and reassurance.
