PEACHTREE ROADUNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3180 peachtree road, ne . atlanta, georgia 30305 . www.prumc.org

t h e b a p t i s m o f t h e lo r d

t h e t e n t h d ay o f j a n ua ry, 2 02 1

Morning WorshipJanuary 10, 2021 . 11:15 am

The Gathering

the greetingWe welcome each of you to this service!

We pray that this time together will be a blessing in your life.

opening voluntaryAn Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV 653 J.S. Bach

(1685-1750)

carillon prelude Sally Westmoreland

the choral introit H. Hamilton Smith(Twentieth Century)

He shall rule from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth. Alleluia!Psalm 71:8, 11

Daniel 7:14

† At the sound of the bells, please prepare your hearts and minds for worship.

Thanksgiving Over the Water † Minister stands at the font, pours water into the font,and leads the people in the Thanksgiving over the Water.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, when nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light. In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea. You brought their children through the Jordan to the land which you promised.

Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Tell of God’s mercy each day.

In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.

Declare his works to the nations, his glory among all the people.

Pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water and those who receive it, to wash away their sin and clothe them in righteousness throughout their lives, that, dying and being raised with Christ, they may share in his final victory.

All praise to you, Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Praise and Thanksgiving

at the procession,hymn 605 *

Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters Beach Spring

Ruth Duck, 1987

Reaffirmation of Our Baptismal Covenant* Brothers and sisters in Christ: through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price. Each week when we affirm our faith, we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ’s holy Church. Now, let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

Do you believe in God the Father?I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and was buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

**

† The people are seated.

gloria patri* Charles MeinekeGlory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

sacrament of christian baptism Response: With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this child (these children), surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.

prayer of dedicationhymn Tune: Stuttgart

Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit’s sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.

concerns and celebrations of the congregation

children’s moments with the minister

anthemSprings of water Donald K. Fellows

(b. 1957)Springs of water, bless the Lord. Give him glory and praise forever. Alleluia. I saw water flowing from the right side of the temple. And all were saved to whom that water came, and they shall say, “Give praise to the Lord!” Give thanks to God, for he is good, his mercy endures forever.

Roman Missal, 1973Peachtree Road Staff Singers

Meredith Howard, Emily Skilling, William Green, soloists

Proclamation of The Word

prayer*

at the offertory,*

† An offering is collected to support the work of Peachtree RoadUnited Methodist Church sharing God’s love with the world.

the lord’s prayer

choral response Gerald Finzi(1901-1956)

pastoral prayer

at the presentation*hymn 95 Tune: Old Hundredth

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

sermonThe Greatest Commandment: God’s Love Never Fails

Minister: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God!

the lesson Romans 8:35, 37-39 † following the reading

Response to The Word

Sending Forth

benediction*

peace* Minister: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

response* May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever. Grant you peace; perfect peace, courage in every endeavor. Lift up your eyes and see His face and His grace forever. May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

Choir and Congregation

closing voluntaryPrelude in G Major, BWV 568 J.S. Bach

* Stand as you are able. ** Ushers will seat all those who are waiting. Please turn off all mobile and electronic devices while in the Sanctuary.

remembering our baptismmotet:

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Richard Walters(Twentieth Century)

Come, thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of they redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy grace I’ve come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me while a sinner, wand’ring from the fold of God. He, to rescue me from danger, interspersed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wand’ring heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above. O that day when freed from sinning, I shall see thy lovely face; clothed then in blood-washed linen, how I’ll sing thy sovereign grace. Come, my Lord, no longer tarry, take my ransomed soul away! Send thine angels now to carry me to realms of endless day.

Robert Robinson, 1758Rick Latterell, baritone

The Flowers on the Altar are Given to the Glory of God

In Loving Memory of: Katherine I. Thompson honoring her birthday on January 16th by Holden and Elsie.

In Loving Memory of: Kathryn Ward Black of Topsail Beach, North Carolina by Ben Black.

In Loving Memory of: Beverly Johnson Pritchard for her birthday by Holly, Tom, Elizabeth, and Emily Pritchard.

In Celebration of the Wedding of: Angela DeMarco and Jacob Hampton.

Altar Flowers: If you would like to make a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact Linda Schutte at 770.329.2075.

For information on upcoming worship services please visit www.prumc.org.

Preaching: Rev. Bill Britt, Senior Minister Romans 8:35, 37-39

Liturgists: Rev. Leslie Lyons Watkins, Associate Minister Rev. Elizabeth Byrd, Associate Minister

Music: Scott H. Atchison, Director of Music and Organist Oliver Brett, Associate Organist and Choirmaster Peachtree Road Staff Singers

Please Welcome to our Church Community These Children Being Baptized Today: Milana Faye Apollo, born August 15, 2020, daughter of Callie and Tony Apollo; and Mack Ross Werner, born February 29, 2020, son of Suzanne and David Werner.

Complete details at www.prumc.org. Join us on Facebook and Instagram.Sign up to receive our weekly Enewsletter at prumc.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS . JANUARY 10, 2021

TODAYJanuary Series: The Greatest CommandmentToday we begin our January sermon series entitled The Greatest Commandment. Each week, we will consider what it means to love God and love your neighbor. We will wrestle with questions such as “How do I express my love for God?” and “Just who is my neighbor?” Join us.Today God’s Love Never Fails Jan 17 Love God Fully Jan 24 Love Your Neighbor As Yourself Jan 31 Being a Good Neighbor

New! Young Adult Series: Small Steps, Big ImpactSundays, Beginning Today, 10:00 am, ZoomWant to transform your personal and professional life, grow closer to God, and make a bigger impact in the world? It’s the perfect time to start something new! Led by Rev. Leslie Watkins and special speakers, this covenant group will support each other and learn about small habits and spiritual disciplines that, when regularly practiced, add up to big results over time. Contact Leslie Watkins at lesliew@prumc.org for more information.

WORSHIP Traditional Worship (In Person & Online)Sundays, 11:15 am, Sanctuary / prumc.orgWorship with us each Sunday with traditional liturgy, favorite hymns, and heartfelt prayers. Join us online or in person. If joining us in person, please RSVP at prumc.org.

Westside @ 5 (Online)Sundays, 5:00 pm, prumc.orgJoin Rev. Daniel Ogle, Ben Fletcher, and Amy Little & Friends for a worship experience that will challenge you to look at your relationship with God and neighbors in a new way.

Midweek Worship (Online)Wednesdays, 12:00 pm, prumc.orgFind inspiration in the middle of your week as PRUMC clergy and music staff offer a lovely midday service including prayers, hymns, and a thoughtful message.

NEW STUDIESPlease visit prumc.org/bible-study to learn more.

Journey Together: The Epic of Eden, RuthWednesdays, 10:30 am, ZoomHere is real life, lived out by real people with real fears, struggles, hopes, and faith. Facilitated by Rev. Julie Wright. Contact juliew@prumc.org.

Young Adult Series: Small Steps, Big ImpactSundays, Beginning Today, 10:00 am, ZoomSee "Today" section for details.

More Than Sparrows Women's Bible StudyWednesdays, Beginning January 13, 9:30 am, ZoomAre you ready to dust off some dreams, find yourself, and gain confidence through wisdom, laughter, and phenomenal women? Led by Sarah Crossman Sullivan, this group will dive into the Old and New Testaments and learn how trusting God impacts all we are and all we become. Each lesson stands on its own and all are welcome. Contact SarahCrossmanSullivan@outlook.com to learn more.

Deep Waters: The Wisdom, The Spirituality, The Prophetic Word of Howard Thurman for Our Lives and TimesWednesdays, Beginning January 13, 6:30 pm, ZoomHoward Thurman was a spiritual guide to the Civil Rights movement and had great influence on Dr. King, John Lewis, and other leaders for social justice. Join Rev. John Cromartie for a 10-week study on the spiritual journey, quest for justice, and real work of Christ’s incarnation in our midst. Register at prumc.org/bible-study.

Seeing the Holy in the OrdinaryWednesdays, Beginning January 13, 7:00 pm, ZoomLed by Rev. Leslie Watkins, this small group will read and discuss three books as we focus our attention on God in the here and now. Books: A Tree Full of Angels/Wiederkehr, Scouting the Divine/Feinberg, and An Altar in the World/Brown-Taylor. Contact lesliew@prumc.org.

LOCAL OUTREACHSeason of Service | Lent 2021This Lent, the Great Day of Service will reinvent itself and become the Season of Service. Rather than getting together on one day, we will have opportunities to serve throughout the season of Lent. Stay tuned for details as we roll out these exciting Lenten opportunities for all ages and abilities. For more information, contact Beth Spencer at beths@prumc.org or Alison Chiock at alisonchiock@gmail.com.

PAL Kids Need Us!We are collecting non-perishable snacks for the kids attending virtual school at the Anderson Police Athletic League. You can drop off at the church or provide through our Amazon Wish List (items shipped to PAL). Visit prumc.org/local-outreach for details.

CAREER CONNECTMasterclass Series: Tuesdays in the BoardroomTuesdays, Beginning January 26, 4:00 pm, ZoomEach quarter, we will offer a networking masterclass that offers valuable coaching and spiritual support to those navigating career transition. The curriculum is created and presented by the Sandbox Consulting Group followed by group discussion with Ken Christensen. Move from feeling lost to connecting with others on the same journey. "The content is great, but the conversation is transformational." For more information, visit prumc.org/career-connect or contact Leslie Watkins at lesliew@prumc.org.

Masterclass MentorsIs your gift creating connections or navigating transition? If so, we invite you to join us in our virtual boardroom to share your skills and insight. Please contact Leslie Watkins at lesliew@prumc.org.

THE DOGWOOD SHOPNew Year, New Styles!Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pmWe have everything you need to kick off the New Year in style! You can shop in person Mon-Sat, or online anytime at thedogwoodshop.org. 100% of proceeds benefit PRUMC Global Missions!

FOOD MINISTRYMeals Available for Pick-Up or Delivery Chef Bob & Team's casseroles, soups, and baked goods are available for curbside pick-up or delivery — all made to order! Visit prumc.org/food to learn more and place your order.

Spice Up Your New Year for a Good Cause!PRUMC's partner Gourmet Innovations introduces a Global Spice Collection. These special blends were created using the spices of the four countries we support through Global Missions — Belize, the Country of Georgia, Guatemala, and Kenya. 5% of the proceeds go to helping PRUMC Global Missions change lives! Visit prumc.org/food to learn more or to purchase.

PRAYEROnline Morning Prayer GroupWeekdays, 7:15 - 7:30 am, ZoomThis open group prays for hope and healing. Take 15 minutes any weekday for this meaningful way to start the day. Visit prumc.org/prayer for details.

Church Open for Personal PrayerMondays, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, SanctuaryYou are invited to come and pray for your needs or the needs of others, or just sit in the silent peace of our sacred space. Please enter through the Rollins Building to check in and observe current protocol.

Online Prayer Requests"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6–7). Please submit your prayer requests at prumc.org/prayer.

DROP-IN CHILDCAREDrop-In Childcare at PRUMC offers flexible, faith-based childcare that includes art, music and play for children 4 months to 6 years. For more information, email Michele Ellis at drop-in@prumc.org or visit prumc.org/drop-in.

THE PRESCHOOLAccepting Applications for the 2021-2022 School YearChildren ages 12 months to 5 years as of 9/1/21 are welcome to apply. Please see more information on our classes and our curriculum at thepreschool.org. As a new family to The Preschool, please complete an Admissions Inquiry Form to begin the admissions process. For more information, contact Kathy Schoen at kathys@prumc.org.

YOUTH 1|99Sundays, Beginning January 245:00-7:00 pm, Harp Center1|99 will be back on January 24! 6th-12th graders are invited to join us for fun games, a message, small groups, and a contact-free meal! Please bring $5, wear a mask, and RSVP if you plan to attend. Physical-distancing guidelines will be in place. For more information, contact Mary Allred at marya@prumc.org. RSVP at bit.ly/signup199.

SEASONED SAINTSWednesday, January 271:00 pm, C106 or Zoom, RSVPJoin PRUMC staff member Lisa Huni as she shares stories from her childhood in Zimbabwe. We will hear her speak her native language and also see examples of traditional clothing.

If you plan to attend in person, please contact Brittany Charron at brittanyc@prumc.org or Julie Wright at juliew@prumc.org.

PRUMC ARCHIVES Archives Resource CenterHonor and preserve the rich history of our church by sharing your stories! Our team would be thrilled to interview you or receive your submissions of stories, experiences, photographs, documents and other items. For details, email archives@prumc.org.

MENContact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org.

Wednesday Morning Men’s Fellowship and Bible StudyWednesdays, 7:00 am, ZoomCome and be encouraged in your faith! We’re currently discussing the Gospel of Luke and how it applies to our lives today. You can join us at any time, and no preparation is necessary.

Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship and Bible StudyFridays, 7:00 am, ZoomCome and discuss the scripture reading for the week with the men of the church. No preparation is necessary, and all are welcome.

COMMUNITY HEALTHPRUMC Blood DrivesJanuary 26, February 18, & March 3110:00 am - 3:00 pm, Harp CenterHelp maintain the vital blood supply during this time of critical need. Donations are by appointment only, masks are required, and there will be temperature checks and social distancing upon arrival. All donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and type "peachtreeroadumc," or contact haley.gerlofs@redcross.org with questions.

IN REMEMBRANCE To remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19, PRUMC will be joining cities and towns all over the country by tolling the lowest bells of the church’s carillon at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, January 19. The bells will ring during a national moment of unity and remembrance.