FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, YEAR B
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

2018 - 07 January
2021 - 10 January
2024 - 07 January
2027 - 10 January
2030 - 13 January
2033 - 09 January
2036 - 13 January

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Epiphany season and time after' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

Sentence
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.
 
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.  (Gen 1:3,4 NRSV)
 
OR
John testified, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, 
and it remained on him.  (John 1:32 NRSV)
 
OR
The Father's voice bears witness to the Son. 
God has shown himself to us.
The Son bows his head beneath the waters of the Jordan.
God has  shown himself to us.
The Spirit descends  upon the Son like a dove.
God has shown himself to us.
And God's love is seen to the end of the world.
God has shown himself to us.
 
OR, use the standard Epiphany Sentence in the document 'Epiphany season and time after', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

OR, use one of the general Sentences in the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
 
INTRODUCTION TO CONFESSION
Conduct the entire opening section of the liturgy, from 'In the name' to the end of the absolution, from the baptismal font. At either 'In the name' or where the Triune name is declared in the absolution, the minister may scoop up water from the font as he names each of the three Persons.

In addition, these words from the Small Catechism may be used to introduce the confession.

Friends in Christ:
The catechism teaches us that because we have been baptised, we should keep on drowning the old nature we were born with; everything selfish and sinful in us has to die. This happens when day after day we are sorry for the wrong things we have done and ask God to forgive us. And the new nature God has given us in baptism should come to life day after day. We should live as new people, who do what is right and good and live with God forever. 

Therefore, let us draw near to God our Father with a true heart to confess our sins, and ask him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM
In the place of the confession and absolution, or in the place of the creed, the congregation may be invited to affirm their baptism by using the form found in the Easter Vigil service in Church Rites, pp 301,302. This is reproduced here:

Brothers and sisters in Christ: 
Do you renounce the devil 
and all his works 
and all his ways?
Yes, I do.

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

Do you believe in God the Son?
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 buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty,
from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God 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.
* or: Christian; catholic here means universal

Do you intend to remain firm in this faith and reflect it in love to God and your neighbour?
Yes, I do.

(May) God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given you new birth by water and the Spirit and has forgiven you all your sins, strengthen you with his Spirit, so that you receive eternal life.

With due pastoral care and explanation, this affirmation may be enhanced by using the asperges (sprinkling) ceremony. After the affirmation (or after the absolution, if the affirmation is not used) the congregation sings a baptismal song or hymn, while the minister walks around the congregation and sprinkles them with water. An evergreen sprig and a small bowl of water are suitable for this purpose. (For more detail, see the document ‘Sprinkling (asperges) ceremony’ in the ‘Rites and services’ folder.)

LORD, HAVE MERCY
The following variation of the 'Lord, have mercy' may be used.

Lord Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son, hear our prayer and save us.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ, God's chosen one, hear our prayer and help us.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ, God's anointed one, hear our prayer and give us peace.
Lord, have mercy.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Note: The traditional collect (given in two forms below) predates the three-year lectionary's emphasis on the baptism of our Lord on the First Sunday after Epiphany. For this reason, the traditional collect does not reflect this aspect of today's celebration. A second traditional collect (modernised) has therefore been added to the collects for use on this day in addition to the usual alternative collect.

Traditional
O Lord, 
mercifully receive the prayers of your people 
who call on you; 
and grant that they may perceive 
the things they ought to do, 
and may have the power 
faithfully to fulfil them; 
through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Lord, in your mercy 
listen to the prayers of your people who call on you. 
Help us to see what we ought to do, 
and give us the strength to do it. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, another traditional collect (modernised)
(Let us pray that God will keep us faithful to our baptismal calling. [silence])
Father in heaven, 
you proclaimed Jesus as your dear Son 
at his baptism, 
and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. 
May all who are baptised into Christ 
remain faithful in their calling to be your children 
and inherit eternal life with him. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)
(Let us pray that we live as God's baptised children. [silence])
Loving Father, 
you anointed Jesus at his baptism 
with the Holy Spirit, 
and revealed him as your dear Son. 
Thank you for making us your children 
by water and the Spirit. 
Keep us faithful to you 
throughout our lives. 
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.
 
FIRST READING 
Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning God creates light
 
PSALM
Psalm 29
Antiphon: 
The Lord sits enthroned as king forever. (Ps 29:10b NRSV) 
OR
May the Lord bless his people with peace! (Ps 29:11b NRSV)
 
SECOND READING
Acts 19:1-7 Paul baptises believers in Ephesus
 
ALLELUIA VERSE (Luke 3:22 NRSV)
Alleluia, alleluia.
A voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved;
with you I am well pleased.'
Alleluia. 
 
GOSPEL 
Mark 1:4-11 The baptism of Jesus

The words 'Light of the world' could be added to the gospel acclamations, giving: 
Glory to you, O Lord, Light of the world.

Praise to you, O Christ, Light of the world.

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of  the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ (, Light of the world).
Thank you, Lord Jesus, 
for revealing yourself at your baptism as God's dear Son.
Fill us, your baptised children, with your Spirit. 
Amen.
 
OFFERING PRAYER
Gracious God, we thank you for Jesus
and for being made your own children.
Teach us to live as your precious people,
filled with your Holy Spirit,
doing what you want us to do.
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
As God's dear children through holy baptism, let us pray to our loving Father in heaven, trusting that he will hear us in his mercy.

The regular response, OR:
Lord, in your mercy,
hear the prayers of your children.

Suggested intercessions
*	that God would keep his baptised people strong in faith
*	for all who have been baptised here in the last year (by name)
*	that the church would boldly confess the name of Christ before the world
*	that those without faith would receive the preaching of God's word
*	that those weighed down with sin would find comfort in the forgiveness given through Christ
*	that the light of God's creating love would continue to shine on his creation.

Concluding prayer
Father, you have sustained your whole church in faith by freely giving your Holy Spirit. Keep us in the power of your Spirit, so that we may always live with the freedom that comes from trusting your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places 
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Who, sharing our life,
lived among us to reveal your glory and love, 
that our darkness should give way to his own brilliant light. 
And so, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus says: 
'The bread that God gives 
is he who comes down from heaven 
and gives life to the world.' 
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A seasonal post-communion prayer for Epiphany may be found in the seasonal notes for Epiphany. If the fourth prayer given above under 'Prayer of the day' has not already been used, it may be used at this point in this modified form:

Loving Father,
you anointed Jesus at his baptism
with the Holy Spirit,
and revealed him as your dear Son.
Thank you for making us your children
by water and the Spirit.
As we have received Christ's body and blood 
in this sacrament,
keep us faithful to you
throughout our lives.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
 
SEASONAL BLESSING
This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

God the Father 
show you the light of his glory 
in the face of his Son, 
so that you may be a light to the world; . . .
 
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Live as new people, the baptised children of God.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the  name of Christ. Amen. 

HYMNS AND  SONGS 

FOR THE READINGS
Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading: Genesis 1:1-5
LHS
133	O Holy Ghost, Thy people bless
222	Thou whose almighty word G6
278	O Father, Thou who hast created all
429	All creatures of our God and King G6
430	From all that dwell below the skies G6
505	Father, who the light this day G4
810	Let all things now living G6
812	The Lord in wisdom made the earth
823	Your strong word broke through the darkness G5
864	God, who made the earth
AT
123	Morning has broken
316	From the air and from the light (vv 1,2)
456	Everything we got
TIS
72	From all that dwell below the skies
100	All creatures of our God and King
101	Come, you people, come adore him
138	Eternal Father, strong to save
146	God, who made the earth
156	Morning has broken
255	O laughing light
415	Praise the Spirit in creation (v 1)
425	Come, Spirit blest, our hearts inspire
447	Lord, your almighty word

Second reading: Acts 19:1-7
LHS
130	O enter, Lord, Thy temple* G4
277	Baptized into Thy name most holy* G4
279	He that believes and is baptized* (alt tune 106, G3)
AT
222	What a gift
316	From the air and from the light (vv 3,4)
359	Holy Spirit, living water
417	Water and the Spirit
TIS
479	They that believe and are baptized
481	Baptized into Your name most holy
493	Wash, O God, our sons and daughters

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11
LHS
47	Songs of thankfulness and praise *G4
748	When Christ our Lord to Jordan came (vv 1-4)* G7 (See D Schütz version below)
749	When Christ's appearing was made known G6
AT
118	Baptism song
TIS
250	Christ when for us
252	When he was baptized
253	O Lord Jesus Marrkapmirr

Psalm 29 
For musical settings of Psalm 29, see Music Packages 1, 4, 5 and 7. See also TIS 17 O give the Lord, you children of God.

The following metrical paraphrase of Psalm 29 by David Schütz may be sung to the tune Kremser (LHS 887, TIS 107). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

Now honour the Lord, all you angels in heaven,
now honour the Lord with all glory and power,
now honour the name of the Lord with all due glory,
and worship in his temple of splendour with awe.

The voice of the Lord thunders over the waters;
the voice of the Lord is majestic and strong;
the voice of the Lord makes the cedars crack and splinter,
and Lebanon and Sirion dance to his song.

The voice of the Lord flames out lightning in flashes;
the voice of the Lord shakes the desert with storms;
the voice of the Lord rips up trees and flattens forests,
while all within his temple cry 'Glory!' to God.

The Lord was enthroned on the flood and the waters;
the Lord sits enthroned as our King and our God;
the Lord will give strength to his people in their trouble,
the Lord will give his people the peace of his word.

BAPTISMAL HYMNS
The first Sunday after Epiphany is often observed as a baptismal festival. If a baptismal emphasis is desired, the hymns from the baptismal sections of the Lutheran Hymnal with Supplement (275-80, 825-33) are appropriate, as are the following songs from the 'All Together' songbooks.

4	Father welcomes
118	Jesus went down to the water
126	The light of Christ
222	What a gift
228	Amigos de Cristo
316	From the air and from the light
320	I was there to hear your borning cry
417	Water and the Spirit
421	Born forever
432	M-M-M-Miracle

A selection could also be made from Together in Song. See the index of subjects, under the heading of Baptism, in the harmony edition of TIS (p 1035).

When Christ our Lord to Jordan came (LHS 748)
This excellent Luther hymn is not easy to sing. Congregations may find the following version easier. It has been adapted by David Schütz from the text in the Supplement by Henry Proeve, and is sung to the tune of Greensleeves (LHS 746).

When Christ our Lord to Jordan came,
his Father's will obeying,
John baptised him beneath the waves,
his mission thus portraying.
This was his holy sign
to cleanse us from transgression,
and by his holy death
he frees us from oppression.

Hear then and mark the message well,
God's own clear declaration,
what we must learn baptism is
to keep from aberration.
With water we baptise -
this is God's will and pleasure -
connected with his word
and Spirit without measure.

To us this truth with ample proof
through words and signs is given.
From Jordan's banks we clearly hear
the Father's voice from heaven:
This is my own dear Son,
with whom I am delighted;
listen and follow him,
all you by him invited.

Now God's own Son himself is here
in youthful manhood standing;
we see the Holy Spirit too,
in form of dove descending.
Here Father, Spirit, Son,
makes promises compelling:
in those who are baptised
our God will make his dwelling.

The Lord to his disciples says:
Go out, teach every nation
that lost in sin, they must repent,
to flee from condemnation;
believe and be baptised -
you shall be saved forever;
the kingdom now is yours -
newborn and dying never.

If lacking faith, we still reject
this grace so freely given,
we stay in sin, condemned to death,
and to despair are driven.
Good works will count for naught;
whatever holy things we do,
sin dwells in everyone;
ourselves we cannot rescue.

Our mortal eyes can only see
mere water as we pour it,
but faith in spirit sees the power
of Jesus' blood and merit.
Here flows the crimson flood,
dyed with the blood of Jesus;
this washes Adam's heirs
from all our sin and frees us.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

GENESIS 1: 1-5: It is good for us to be reminded in the words of this reading that there is purpose in all of the creation, that it didn't just come about by blind chance. By his almighty word God has brought matter to be from nothing. He has ordered the universe out of chaos. Over against darkness he has brought light into being. Morning always follows evening. Our lives also make sense, despite the surrounding chaos and darkness.

ACTS 19 :1-7: St Paul spent a fruitful two and a half years preaching and teaching in Ephesus. Early in this stay a remarkable incident occurred. He came across twelve 'disciples', believers in Christ, who had no knowledge of the Holy Spirit. They had been baptised only with John the Baptist's preparatory baptism for repentance. After instruction, Paul baptised them in the name of Jesus. Together with the laying on of hands by Paul, they received the Holy Spirit in a very visible way. Congregations need constantly to instruct and equip members further where there are deficiencies in faith and life.

MARK 1: 4-11: The first part of this selection deals with John (the Baptist) calling people to prepare for the long-expected Messiah. Hearts and lives are to be turned around completely in repentance. Baptism with water brought the cleansing of forgiveness. The second part of the selection describes the baptism of Jesus. He had no sin but took his place alongside sinners in this act. Immediately Jesus sees heavenly things; the witness of the Holy Spirit's presence for his earthly ministry becomes visible (the dove). The voice of the Father attests and approves Jesus' divine sonship. Here is a clear revelation of the Trinity; yet the Triune God is always encountered through the Christ.

VISUAL

Visuals for the READINGS
Pictures or visual symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading could be accompanied by a picture of light shining  through clouds; and the gospel could be accompanied by a picture of Jesus being baptised or the Spirit coming down on him, eg like the illustration in TEV for John 1:32. Alternatively, a symbol of baptism (eg a shell with three drops) could be displayed during the reading of the gospel.
 
SYMBOLS
The following symbols for the baptism of Jesus may be made into a banner (placed near the baptism font) or displayed on the overhead projector:

*	a shell with three drops of water
*	rays coming down out of a cloud
*	dove coming down on Jesus
*	wavy lines representing water with descending dove above them.

floral display
A simple white vertical arrangement could be set up, perhaps including a dove in the arrangement.

DECORATION OF THE FONT
The font may be dramatically emphasised by draping a blue (for water), red (for the Spirit), or white (for purity) length of material from the ceiling of the church above the baptismal font down to the font itself. 

If the font is moveable and not normally in a central position in the church, it be moved to the centre in front of the sanctuary for this service.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the second reading could be read by three readers: narrator, Paul, believer; and the gospel could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), John, God's voice from heaven. Alternatively, the story could be acted out, perhaps by children.

CHILDREN

Children and the READINGS
Chidren could be involved in making and displaying pictures/symbols (see above under 'Visuals for the readings' and 'Symbols'). They may act out the gospel.

TALKing with THE CHILDREN
A talk with the children could refer to being made God's children through baptism. They could be shown the font, preferably with water in it.

BAPTISM
The children could take part in the Catechism dialogue (see below under 'Catechism'). If there is a baptism, they  may be invited to come near the font to watch (but make sure the baptism party is asked first). 

'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

This week's story is: 'The baptism of Jesus' (to be found in both the original and RCL editions, 1 Epiphany, year B).

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

BAPTISMS
This Sunday is one of several in the church year that is especially suitable for baptisms or baptismal remembrance. You may plan to schedule baptisms on this date. Alternatively, you may wish to invite all those who have been baptised in the past year to come to church for a special baptismal service. 

HOLY BAPTISM AS A SEPARATE SERVICE
In 1998, the Commission on Worship prepared an outline for a service in which baptism is the main event. This outline may be found in the document 'Holy baptism as a separate service' in the 'Rites and services' folder.

CATECHISM
The following dialogue from the Small Catechism may be used in several ways: as a question and answer between pastor and congregation, or by two or more readers, or by a Sunday school or Kids Club group. It might even be dramatised. However, avoid giving the congregation long sections to say, since this is often difficult. It may be best if the congregation ask the questions in the dialogue.

M.	We come to celebrate the good news of baptism.
C.	What is baptism?
A.	Baptism is not just water used on its own.
B.	It is water used together with God's word, in the way that God has commanded.

M.	Our Lord Jesus Christ says:
R.	Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C.	What does baptism give us?
A.	In baptism God gives us forgiveness of sins, freedom from death and the devil, and life with God forever.
B.	God gives these things to everyone who believes what he has promised. 

M.	Our Lord Jesus Christ says:
R.	Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

C.	How can water give us God's gifts?
A.	We don't get God's gifts in baptism just by using water.
B.	We get them by using God's word with the water and by believing what God says.
A.	If we use water on its own without God's word, that's not baptism.
B.	But when we use God's word with the water, the Holy Spirit shows God's love for us by washing us clean from sin and giving us new life.

M.	The Bible says:
R.	God saved us because of his mercy... God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Saviour to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.
	This message is certainly true.

C.	What does baptism mean for everyday living?
A.	Because we have been baptised, we should keep on drowning the old nature we were born with; everything selfish and sinful in us has to die.
B.	This happens when day after day we are sorry for the wrong things we have done, and ask God to forgive us.
A.	And the new nature God has given us in baptism should come to life day after day.
B.	We should live as new people, who do what is right and good and live with God forever.

M. 	What does the Bible say?
R.	When we were baptised, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptised, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father.