January 8 – Baptism of the Lord

Worship materials for Baptism of the Lord Sunday through the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany were contributed by Laura Turnbull, Penticton U.C., Penticton, B.C.

 

Genesis 1:1–5

The first days of creation.

 

Psalm 29 (VU pp. 755–756)

God’s voice is over the waters.

 

Acts 19:1–7

Paul baptizes with the Spirit.

 

Mark 1:4–11

Jesus is baptized by John.

Spark

A water fountain, water sounds playing in the background, plants, water sports equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), soap, water bottle, an inflatable wading pool, and pictures of lakes, oceans, rivers, and ponds could all serve as both visual displays and focuses for conversations.

Theme Engagement Question

What does it mean to you to be baptized? In what ways do you believe that God is pleased with you? What voices fight against that message?

With Children

This is a perfect day to celebrate the sacrament of baptism. If there is no baptism taking place in your church, have a conversation with the children about the many uses of water. Give each child a glass of water, bless the water together, and then invite the children to pour the water into the baptismal font. Invite the children to put their fingers in the water and mark themselves with a cross. Share a little about your congregation’s baptismal practice.

Sermon Starter

“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” is a powerful message to each one of us. In what ways do you experience this affirmation? What impact does hearing this message have on your life? What voice is dominant in life? Feel the blanket of assurance knowing that God loves us unconditionally. How does this pronouncement speak to the way we care for ourselves, for each other, and for the earth?

Hymns

VU 99              “Christ, when for us you were baptized”

VU 100            “When Jesus comes to be baptized”

VU 101            “Songs of thankfulness and praise”

VU 296            “This is God’s wondrous world”

VU 380            “She Flies On”

VU 442            “Wash, O God, our sons and daughters”

VU 449            “Crashing waters at creation”

MV 3               “River”

MV 39             “Mother Earth, our Mother…”

MV 82             “Bathe me in your light”

MV 87             “Water flowing from the mountains”