Baptism of Jesus 2019
Here is a full order of worship for the First Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of Jesus), Year C, 2019. It uses a standard Sunday morning liturgy while adding the language of water and theme of immersion. Through prayer, meditative hymns, and a renewal of baptism after the sermon, the congregation is invited into the waters of Christ’s love and back out again. An altar arrangement and/or artwork with water elements could enhance the worship experience.
WORDS FOR CONTEMPLATION: “All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.” – Toni Morrison, 21st c.
GATHERING AT THE WATERS
Gathering Music
Welcome & Announcements
Silence
IMMERSING
Anthem
Centering Word: Acts 8:14-17
Hymn: “O Morning Star, How Fair & Bright” (Niccolai, Trans.: Winkworth)
Prayer of Immersion & Lord’s Prayer (unison): Immerse ourselves today in worship, God: soak us with your Spirit; saturate us with courage; slake our hopelessness; and pour us out again into our communities to remake them with the love of Christ, the one who taught us to pray, saying:
Our (Mother) Father (Creator) who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Response: “Come & Fill” (Taizé Community)
A Time for Children
Hymn: “Lord, I Want to be a Christian in My Heart” (African-American spiritual)
Prayers of the People & Pastoral
Prayer Response: “Take, O, Take Me As I Am” (John Bell)
Anthem
Call to Offering, Offertory
Doxology & Prayer of Dedication
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Message
Invitation to the Waters: During the hymn you are invited to come forward and affirm your baptism by placing your hand in the water and touching your forehead. If you are unable to come forward, please signal an usher for assistance.
Immersing Hymn: “The Summons” (John Bell)
RESURFACING
Benediction
Postlude
© Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, 2019