"Let There Be Light"

Saturday morning began with a cloudy sky. By noon the clouds had drifted away and the sun was shining brightly. This seems a little like the times we are now living through. Things seem dark in the world of circumstance. Thank goodness for the light of God's word which shines in our hearts. Hopefully, each of you is in touch with that inner light, and that it is giving you some sense of peace and security.

I find it very hopeful when we get together for the recording of our Sunday service. Just being in the company of our Band and Sound Guy brings me some sense that life is good. The creative energy released by each person serves to shape a spiritual foundation for our activity. Hopefully, you in your home are also making a connection with the spirit, by which light shines in the darkness.

Here is our service:

Here are the texts which inform our service:

Genesis 1:1-4 - In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

Psalm 29:1-4; 11 - Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Mark 1:4-11 - John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."