LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Baptism Sunday for Grant and Tessa Barker Theme: Jesus said of his children that we are the light of the world and we are to let our light shine. The world needs to see our light, light that reflects Christ. How is our light reflected in the world? How is it being reflected in our homes, our school, neighborhood, our place of work? Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches September 29, 2024 The flame which shines bright from our altar candle serves as a constant reminder to us of God’s abiding presence in our lives and our worship today. Chiming of the Hour Eddie Bucklen We Open Our Hearts to God’s Presence Please observe a time of silence during the prelude in preparation for worship. Let all worshipers ask God’s blessings on the service, themselves, and on all who seek to worship God in spirit and in truth. Prelude Fairest Lord Jesus D. Bish Choral Introit Christ Be Our Light J. Raney ~Alan Dyer, handbells~ We Worship God through Praise Call to Worship Dr. Jim Hewitt L: If the human body, body of blood and muscle, is to live, it needs salt. P: If the body of Christ, body of peace and justice, is to live, it needs us! L: If the earthly creation, bustling and blooming, is to flourish, it needs the sun’s light. P: If the new creation we are in Christ is to flourish, it needs the Spirit’s light! L: Jesus says we are salt of the earth, light of the world. P: Our faith, our love, our hope - essential as salt and light. L: But if salt isn’t salty? P: It isn’t what it’s meant to be. L: And if a light doesn’t shine? P: It isn’t what it’s meant to be. L: Jesus says we are salt of the earth, light of the world. Briny and bright, we are God’s faithful people. All: We shall be who we are meant to be in Christ: a welcoming oasis, a compassionate community, a justice-making people, giving glory to God! Hymn of Praise Shine, Jesus, Shine No. 721 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration Glory Be to the Father No. 807 Glory 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, Amen. Text Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 (p. 6, pew Bible) L: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mike Sims All: Thanks be to God. We Worship God through Giving Offertory Hymn This Little Light of Mine Insert Offertory Prayer Mike Sims Offertory The Savior is Waiting D. Kartsonakis Doxology No. 809 We Worship God through Prayer Pastoral Prayer Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Proclamation Anthem Shine on Us M. Smith Sermon LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Commitment Hymn Send the Light (vs. 1, 3 & 4) Insert Testimonials Charlene Hewitt Observance of the Baptism of Grant and Tessa Barker Benediction A Charge to Be Salt and Light Rev. Dan Wilkerson L: It was a dull, tasteless thing — P: this life, before salt. L: It was a dark, meaningless thing — P: this life, before light. L: Then he came — we thought — to do many things; P: to our surprise, he called us, saying: “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” L: So he has called us: To be salt in this earth; P: to season and preserve all life with love. L: So he has called us: To be light in this world; P: to dispel the darkness of hate and injustice. L: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language- P: all purified by Jesus to be salt of every kind. L: Some of us are sea salt, some rock salt, some finely ground- P: all purified by Jesus, and all beloved as we are. L: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language- P: all gifted by the Holy Spirit, to be light of every kind. L: Some of us are daylight, some candlelight, some flickering fire P: all gifted by the Holy Spirit, and all beloved as we are. L: He is come — through us — to do many things; P: To our joy, he has called us, saying: “Let your light shine before others.” L: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language- P: all beloved of the Father, and in him we are alive. L: So he has called us, from every nation, culture, and language; P: May the peoples see our good works, and give glory to God. Choral Benediction Go Now in Peace Postlude Arise, Your Light Has Come E. Thomas Next Week: World communion Sunday Hebrews 1:1-14 Jesus, the High Priest Fellowship Dinner/Bible Study – Wednesday, October 9th at 5:30pm. The Diaconate will provide Ham and they ask for everyone to bring a potluck dish of your choice! Memorial & Honorary Flowers- If you would like to sponsor a fresh flower arrangement to be placed in the Sanctuary in memory or honor of a loved one, please contact Misty at the church office. Arrangements are placed on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.