Baptised to Be
Planning all-age worship focusing on the sacrament of Baptism
The service suggestions can be used in connection with the Baptism of an infant, the Baptism of a child or adult, a re-affirmation of Baptism any other service with a Baptism theme.
BAPTISED TO BE . . . personal relationships with, and concerns Jesus said: I came to give life — life in all its about, people from the generation before fullness (John 10:10). Through Baptism, and/or the generation following them. people receive that gift of life in all its Intentional intergenerational (or all-age) fullness. When people are batpised as worship takes seriously the idea that people Christians, they are baptised to be . . . of all ages worship together. It deliberately . new people who will live forever with invites and includes people of all ages. God Worshippers — young, old and in-between . free from sin and the fear of death — can also be involved in planning . God’s children, part of God’s family worship, inviting people to worship, and . believers in Jesus Christ leading worship. . more and more like Jesus Carefully planned intergenerational . linked with the resurrection and death of worship allows God and people to Jesus communicate not only through words, but . continually dying to sin and rising to new also through the senses, movement, life emotions, ritual and fun. . recipients of all God’s promises BAPTISMAL RITES AND PRACTICES . bold, happy, faithful, loved and loving, Christians have a wide range of Baptismal forgiven and forgiving. practices. Some of them are seated in And that’s just the start of the list. There is deeply held beliefs about the nature of enough in Baptism to meditate on for a Baptism; others are matters of tradition. The lifetime. planning suggestions in this document are in no way intended to change your rites The Bible tells us that there is rejoicing in and practices, but to celebrate, heaven over one sinner who repents. So it complement, and make them more seems appropriate that there be significant for worshippers of all ages and celebrating in our congregation when one for any guest at a Baptism. person is baptised. The notes are written from a particular These Baptised to Be notes are provided as understanding of Baptism. You will not use a starting point for developing all the suggestions. Choose those that suit integenerational worship celebrating God’s your situation and adapt them to your own gift of Baptism. beliefs and practices. INTERGENERATIONAL WORSHIP All Christian worship is intergenerational. Several generations may be physically present. Each person brings to worship their
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THE PLANNING PACK ADDITIONAL BAPTISM RESOURCES Baptised to Be materials have been http://assembly.uca.org.au/TD/doctrine/ prepared by the Resource Centre for beliefs.htm — an explanation of the UCA Children’s and Family Ministry of the Uniting understanding of Baptism. Church (SA) to help congregations plan a Having your Child Baptised — a three worship celebration of Baptism that involves session course for parents intending to have children and families. their infant or young child baptised. You may make as many copies of the notes Prepared from a Lutheran perspective, but as needed for your worship planning team. adaptable to other traditions. (On disk from RCCFM $15.00, includes postage) Contents Being Baptised — a four session course for PLANNING WORSHIP...... 3 children ages 8–10 who have made a BAPTISM SYMBOLS ...... 5 decision to be baptised. Parents attend the course with the child and are the primary SAMPLE CELEBRATION SERVICE ...... 7 teachers, supported by worksheets and a BIBLE PASSAGES ...... 12 facilitator. Prepared from a Uniting Church perspective, but adaptable to other BAPTISM SONGS ...... 14 traditions. (On disk from RCCFM, $15.00, A DIALOGUE ABOUT BAPTSIM ...... 15 includes postage) QUOTATIONS ABOUT BAPTISM ...... 17 A Fishy Story — a booklet about Baptism for children (age 6–10), designed to be read SOAP BUBBLE ACTIVITIES ...... 18 with a parent or sponsor, but can be read STORY SHEET ...... 19 by child alone. (On disk from RCCFM, $15.00, includes postage) REMEMBERING BAPTISM ...... 20 Bee Cards — a card ministry program for baptised children and adults. Includes model parent letters and card-making instructions for ages 0-12 plus a teen and an adult card and letter. (On disk from RCCFM, $15.00, includes postage)
UNITING CHURCH STATEMENT ON BAPTISM [Section 7 of The Basis of Union of the Uniting Church Uniting Church in Australia] The Uniting Church acknowledges that Christ incorporates people into his body by Baptism. In this way Christ enables them to participate in his own Baptism, which was accomplished once on behalf of all in his death and burial, and which was made available to all when, risen and ascended, he poured out the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Baptism into Christ's body initiates people into Christ's life and mission in the world, so that they are united in one fellowship of love, service, suffering and joy, in one family of the Father of all in heaven and earth, and in the power of the one Spirit. The Uniting Church will baptize those who confess the Christian faith, and children who are presented for Baptism and for whose instruction and nourishment in the faith the church takes responsibility.
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Planning Intergenerational Worship The Baptism theme is a great opportunity for working as an intergenerational team to plan a worship service. The experience of working and learning together may be as valuable as the actual plan itself. Allow ample time for planning. NOTE: If you are planning this special service in connection with a Baptism, let the person being baptised (or the parents, if it is an infant) know what you are planning. Invite them to be part of the planning process.
THE TEAM PLANNING STEPS Ideally the planning team for an all-age Depending on how radical you will be in worship service will consist of at least three altering your usual worship format and how people. The members will reflect the age much you want to make the planning an range of worshippers (either your regular educational and relationship-building Sunday worshippers or your target exercise for the team, you may need one ‘audience’ if you are planning a special or several planning sessions. service). That means you will need at least Here are some helpful steps: one person representing the oldest third of the congregation, one representing the 1. CHAT Take a few minutes to make sure youngest third, and one representing the team members know one another and middle third. that each person has a chance to tell others about something important in their Keep in mind that lives at the moment apart from planning . older people have the ability to the worship service. understand (almost) anything planned 2. GOAL Team leader explains the to target young children purpose of the session and what you hope . young children may not be able to to achieve. understand what is planned for mature adults 3. PRAY for one another and for the planning process. . worship is not just about what we can understand. It is also about what we 4. TALK ABOUT BAPTISM Make sure experience and feel everyone has a clear idea of what Baptism is and means. It may be a good idea to . children may be able to help older have a printed copy of your church’s people to have a deeper experience statement on Baptism for each person. and feeling in their worship. Read through the statement. For each So — even though it may seem initially to section, consider the questions: make planning more difficult — make the . What does this mean for me as an effort to have at least one child (or youth individual? or parent of a young child) as a member of the planning team. . What does this mean for our planning of a worship that focuses on Baptism? You may also want to look for people on the team with gifts and abilities in specific Alternatively use the ‘Dialogue on Baptism’ areas, eg music, drama, visual arts, resource (p 15). technology, organisation, hospitality. 4. LOOK AT YOUR REGULAR WORSHIP PRE PLANNING SERVICE ORDER Have a printed outline of your service. Go through the outline to Before the team meets, the worship team make sure everyone knows what ususally leader should be familiar with happens at each point in the service. the reason for having a special all-age Baptism celebration Find words that everyone understands for any unfamiliar ‘churchy’ words. your usual worship format Remember these words. If they are helpful your Baptism (or Affirmation of Baptism) for your planning team, they will be helpful liturgy to the congregation. You may want to use the contents of this packet. them in your service.
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5. BROWSE YOUR RESOURCES Have a quick 3. Can this idea be done look at the various resources in this packet . by the people in your congregation? (and any other resources you have), so . in your worship space? everyone is familiar with what help they . with your equipment? provide. . in the time you have for preparation? Note: You will not use all of the resources, . within your financial budget? but choose those that best suit your situation. You will also need to adapt those . and within your worship time frame? you do choose to suit your situation. 6. DECIDE ON YOUR APPROACH There are two basic ways of building this service: When you have a pretty clear picture of . Begin with your regular worship order (or how the service will look . . . service outline) and look for places where 10. WRITE THE WORSHIP PLAN This step you can insert themes or activities relating need not be done by the whole team, but to Baptism. by the worship team leader or a recorder. . Begin with your Baptism or Affirmation Write up your worship plan based on the of Baptism liturgy and look for ways of group’s discussion and decisions. expanding it to make it the basis of a 11. GET SPECIFIC AND PRACTICAL Prepare complete worship service. a ‘to-do’ (or ‘who-does-what’) list and 7. SELECT A SYMBOL See page 5 for ideas make sure each person on the team of symbols that could serve as controlling understands what they need to do images for your service. (themselves, or by contacting other 8. BRAINSTORM IDEAS for the service. people) to prepare for and/or lead the worship. Have a sheet of butcher paper (or segment of a whiteboard) for each of the Note: part of the ‘to-do’ list may be to main elements of your regular service or finalise selections, wording, etc that has your Baptism (or re-affirmation) ligurgy. not been completely decided by the Have another paper or segment for team at this meeting. ‘general ideas’. Include in the to-do list a mechanisim for Let each person tell any ideas that they each team member to report back to the have about organising the service. team leader on the progress of their job/s. Record all the ideas, without analysing or 12. PRAY Thank God for his wonderful gift judging them. of Baptism and the privilege you have of 9. EVALUATE THE IDEAS Here’s where each helping people celebrate this gift in person can have a special input by worship. Ask God to bless your plans, help reflecting on how they think an idea will you in your preparation, and make the help or hinder people in their age group in worship a blessing to all who attend. having a meaningful worship experience. Look first at the ‘general ideas’ because what you decide here may influence the decisions you make about the other elements. For example, if you decide to use the bubble symbol suggested in the following notes, you will look at how that bubble symbol can be incorporated into each individual segment of the service. Also test ideas according to these criteria: 1. Does this idea reflect our church’s understanding of Baptism? 2. Does this idea or activity relate well with other ideas you plan to use?
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Baptism Symbols In a worship service for all generations, it can be helpful to have a visual focus or symbol that will help people understand and remember the worship experience and the message. The experience is likely to be more memorable if you interact a number of ways with a single symbol, rather than looking at a number of different symbols. The more aspects of the service you can link with the visual, the more unified and memorable the worship experience will be.
The Church has a number of traditional to baptise ‘in the name of the Father and symbols for Baptism. Any one of these can the Son and the Holy Spirit’. You may be used as an image around which you decide to look at the signficiance of can develop a worship service. The names and the baptised person’s new following are some starting ideas. ‘family name’. You may look at the nature of Father, Son and Holy Spirit as expressed . Water is both an element of Baptism and in the baptismal creed. a symbol of Baptism. . A baptismal font or pool is the container Scripture begins with water — for the water used in Baptism. chaotic waters that are put into order by the Spirit hovering over them. The If the font is the visual focus of your service, life-death meaning of water continues water and the ‘washing’ aspect of through the flood waters of Noah's day and Baptism may be your theme. You might tell the saving waters of the Red Sea parted to the story of Philip baptising an Ethiopian allow the Israelites to pass from slavery to official when they came to water. freedom. In the New Testament, John If your font is moveable consider placing it baptized in the Jordan River and Jesus at the entrance to the church so that began his ministry by being baptized there. all who enter will pass by it, or put it in Depending on the weather and local a central location and arrange conditions, you might consider holding the seating in a circle around it. If your entire service beside a body of water — a font has symbols on it, talk about the lake, river, pond or stream. symbols. If the symbols are embossed . A scallop shell relates to or engraved, people could make rubbings the water used in Baptism. of them. The image of the sea shell, . The cross is a sign that we are baptised especially the scallop shell, is into Jesus’ death. frequently found on baptismal fonts. The shell may be used to pour water over the If the cross is your focus image head of the person being baptised. draw attention to cross symbols already present in your If you use a shell as a focus image you sanctuary. You might challenge might decorate the worship area with people (or family groups) to see how many shells (and or pictures of shells), ask each crosses they can see. worshipper to bring a shell to worship, or have a shell to give each worshipper as a Emphasise that in Baptism we remembrance of the service. are joined to Jesus’ death and victory over death. If people bring shells, consider gluing them to the frame of a mirror, write the words ‘I You may encourage people am baptised’ on the mirror itself. Invite to make the sign of the cross baptised people to look at themselves in themselves, or on other people. the mirror and think about what it means . A baptismal robe is a symbol of putting to be baptised. on Christ — being clothed in righteousness. . Three water drops often The robe is white for purity. attached to the shell You could develop a service around the symbolize the trinity: God, the white robe image: encourage people to Father, Son and Holy Spirit. wear white, decorate the worship area You might use the story of Jesus’ comission with white flowers and white candles.
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. A baptismal candle is a symbol A FRESH BAPTISM SYMBOL that in Baptism we are joined with Baptism is a time of Christ — the light of the world — celebration by all generations. and that, as baptised people, we are to be light to the world. People in 21st century Australia recognise bubbles as You may use the light symbol and give a a symbol of celebration. Soap candle to each worshipper or to the bubble blowing is fun and person being baptised. It is symbolic to can be enjoyed by all light personal candles from a ‘Christ generations. So in the Baptised candle’. to Be sample celebration . A dove is a symbol of the Holy Ghost service we experiment with and a reminder of both Jesus’ Baptism and using bubbles as a controlling image for the dove that brought Baptism worship. hope to Noah. You By using this symbol, we can incorporate might use either of these visual and tactile elements into the service stories and decorate the — allowing people to worship through worship area with doves. seeing, touching and doing as well as Consider having people make origami hearing. doves before the service (see the Why bubbles? Greenpeace site or http://idpa.org.au/ You can tease out quite a number of media/ORIGAMI%20PEACE%20DOVES.pdf). explanations of the symbol, eg You might suspend a rope (like a clothes . Bubbles and Baptism both begin with line) from the door to the front of the the letter ‘b’. church and have people attach their doves to the line when they enter the . Both can be described with another ‘b’ church. word — beautiful. . Bubbles and Baptism both involve . Bullfrogs and butterflies are a more water. It takes water to make a bubble. recent symbol for Baptism, Water is the physical element (the thing inspired by the Barry we can touch and feel) in Baptism. McGuire song. God didn't choose water randomly. Like a baptised person, Water reminds us of both cleansing and bullfrogs and butterflies death by drowning. It is also a vital have both been born again as new element for sustaining life. creatures. Bullfrogs start as tadpoles, Martin Luther explained that water, by butterflies as caterpillars. Their adult state itself, is just simple H2O. The beauty and does not resemble their adolescent state. power of Baptism lies in water used with You might incorporate decorations and God's word and our belief in that word. even science into a memorable Water by itself does not make a soap celebration of Baptism as being born bubble either; water must be mixed with again. soap and air. . The soap used in making soap bubbles reminds us of the cleansing of Baptism. . The air used in making soap bubbles reminds us of new life and of the Spirit. . Bubbles reflect light, we are baptised to be reflectors of Jesus’ light. . There is perfection in the sphere shape of the bubble; in Baptism we share in Jesus’ perfection. . It’s impossible to hold a soap bubble in a human hand; and it’s impossible to truly comprehend Baptism with the human mind.
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Baptised to Be
SAMPLE WORSHIP CELEBRATION
INVITATION . Have round bubble-shaped posters A special Baptism celebration is a perfect with the names (and or pictures) of opportunity to invite to worship people being baptised. . people who have been baptised but . Create a Baptised to Be bubble banner do not regularly worship for use in this service and future Baptisms. . families and friends of people who are being baptised or affirming their faith. ENTRY Written invitations can be on round Catch people’s attention as they enter the (bubble shaped) card or on round church by doing something special at the balloons. church door, eg Invitations from the congregation can be . Do a bubble activity (see page 18) mailed, but hand-delivered is preferable. outside the church or in a foyer as The person delivering the invitation might people arrive. include an invitation to a meal after the . Surround the door with balloon service or offer transport to and from the bubbles. service. . Put a Baptised to Be banner above the The congregation can provide people door. being baptised with invitations to give to . Attach streamers of bubble-wrap plastic family and friends. to the top of the door frame (like old DECORATION fashioned fly catcher strips) so that Have special decorations for a special people literally walk through a cascade service. of bubbles as they enter. Alternatively, have a roll of bubble-wrap plastic for Highlight any existing Baptism banners or people to walk on as they enter the other decorations you already have in church. Encourage people (children your church, eg move them to a more especially) to remove their shoes for this. prominent position. They will also ‘go through the Get creative with the bubble motif: water/bubbles’ as they leave the church and move back into their . Fill the worship area with round opaque everyday life as baptised people. balloons that resemble bubbles. . Hire a bubble machine and have it Have your church’s baptismal record going. (or copies of the pages) at the entry to the church so that those people who . Have round bubble-shaped posters have been baptised there can find with any key ‘B’ words you will be using their details. in the service, eg Being, Becoming, Believing, Behaving. Give people bubble-shaped name tags on which they can write their name
and the date of their baptsim. Consider A few quick, simple lines can make a giving everyone — baptised or not — a plain paper circle look like a bubble. simple bubble-shaped name tag.
If your service does not involve an actual Baptism, it may be possible to revive an old custom that highlights Baptism as an entry into Christian life.
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Move the Baptismal font to a location Later in the service when [name] is just inside the door and encourage baptised [he/she] too, will be baptised in people to dip their fingers in the water the name of God, the Father and the Son as they enter the church. You could use and the Holy Spirit. any bowl of water for this symbolic Let’s begin with a song about Baptism. The activity. If you do this, be sure to refer to band will sing and everyone is welcome to the activity in the service itself. join in. The words are on the screen [or 1. ARRIVAL number X in your hymn book]. Be sure to make people — young and old 3. SONG — welcome as they arrive. The band leads the congregation in This welcome is particularly important if singing a song with a Baptism theme. there is a Baptism of someone from outside Choose from the list on page 15 or from your regularly worshipping community. your usual worship song source. Plan how you will greet and serve . the person/people being baptised Before singing this song and other songs in (and, for children, the parents) Baptised to Be, the band leader or worship . sponsors/godparents leader may make a brief comment about . guests. the reason for the choice of song. You may take the baptismal party to a Or they may point out a key word or special gathering area for pre-worship recurring phrase where children who are instruction and/or prayers, or take them too young to read can sing, echo, or do directly to their seats. an action. Give them any service orders or song 4. OPENING PRAYER books they will need and explain how to Worship leader or another leader use them or how information is projected says/reads a prayer thanking God for the on a screen. privilege of worshipping him, and Even if the service is projected on a particularly for the gift of Baptism. screen, it’s a good idea to give the Baptismal group complete service outlines 5. INTRODUCING THE THEME so they have an idea of what to expect, Note: In a small/informal situation you may particularly when the Baptism itself will take introduce the theme by challenging place. This is also a memento they can worshippers to suggest why you are using take home from the service. bubbles in the service that celebrates Explain the location of toilets, creche and Baptism. any other services they may need. Alternatively the worship leader explains: WL: You may have noticed some bubbles 2. WELCOME & INVOCATION around the church this morning. The Worship Leader: Welcome to this special bubbles are a sign that this is a special service in which we celebrate God’s gift of time of celebration. They are there for Baptism [and/or baptise (names) and/or other reasons, too. affirm our Baptism]. Bubbles and Baptism both involve water. Today we specially welcome (names of people being baptised) and their family In Australia, we know that water is a and friends who are here for this significant precious commodity. Human beings — occasion. along with all living things — need water for life. We believe that the water of Here at (name of church) we worship ‘in Baptism is life-giving water. In a special the name of God, the Father, Son and way that we cannot really understand, it Holy Spirit’. We come together as people gives us life forever with God. who belong to God because God invites us to meet with him; God is here with us; We also use water for cleaning. We God serves us in worship. We love to spend believe that in a special way that we this time with God to learn from him and to cannot really understand, the water of thank and praise him. Baptism washes us clean from sin and fear.
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The soap used in making soap bubbles 7. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION also reminds us of the cleaning of Baptism. If there is a confession and absolution So the bubbles can remind us that Baptism within your Baptism or Affirmation of cleans and gives new life. Baptism liturgy, omit it here. WL: The Ethiopian in the story went home, 6A. BIBLE READING — Titus 3:5-7 as happy as he could be — because he WL: The reason we believe these things had been baptised and washed clean of about Baptism is that we find them in his sins. God’s word, the Bible. All of us who have been baptised have Listen while [name} reads part of a letter been washed clean. But we continue to from the Bible. think and say and do wrong things. Part of READER (slowly and clearly): being baptised is recognising this, ‘[God] saved us because of his mercy, and not admitting it to one another and to God, because of any good things that we have asking God over and over again to forgive done. us and helping us to do better. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s do that now. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. Congregation (reads together from screen God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. or worship booklet; alternatively a Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. representative of the congregation reads): Dear God, we have thought, said, and He made us acceptable to God done many wrong things. We have not and gave us the hope of eternal life.’ loved you as we should. We have been Alternatively project the Bible text one phrase unkind to others. We are very sorry for this. at a time and read it together. We ask you to have mercy on us for the sake of Jesus, your Son. Forgive us, and 6B. BIBLE READING — (Acts 8:26-39) help us to be more like you. Philip baptises an Ethiopian official WL: God, who washes people clean in If a child is being baptised and your Baptism, has heard your confession and Baptism liturgy includes the story of Jesus has forgiven you because Jesus died for blessing children, omit the Bible story here your sins. and emphasise the story in the liturgy. WL: There’s a lot more in the Bible about 8. SONG Baptism. Here’s a story that I love. The band leads the congregation in singing a song about forgiveness or Read or tell this story in a way that will thanksgiving for forgiveness. bring it to life for worshippers of all ages, eg . Read dramatically, expressively from an 9. STATEMENT OF BELIEF easily understood version of the Bible, If the Apostle’s Creed is used in your eg The Message. Baptism or Affirmation of Baptism liturgy, . During the reading show some pictures omit it here. or have a group of people form WL: What we believe about God is what tableaux of various sections God has revealed to us. Please stand as . People act out the story using the Bible we repeat an ancient and traditional text as script statement of what we believe about God. . Invite children to come forward and You may join in the responses on the listen as a story-teller tells the story or screen [or in your worship booklet] if you reads it from an illustrated Bible story wish to do so. book, showing the illustrations WL: Do you believe in God, who made you . Provide a story-and-question sheet (see and loves you? page 19) to all worshippers and invite people in family groups or other small Congregation (or a representative of the clusters to read the story and discuss congregation): some key questions about it. I/we believe in God, the Father almighty,
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creator of heaven and earth. description/explanation while the minister performs the standard ritual WL: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, your Saviour and Lord? . make a video (or series of photos) of the ceremony to give to the person being Congregation (or representative): I/we baptised as a way of remembering the believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our event. Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered 11. SONG under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, The band leads the congregation in and was buried; he descended to the singing a Baptism song. If possible, select a dead. On the third day he rose again; he song with children especially in mind — a ascended into heaven, he is seated at the song with simple words and tune and right hand of the Father, and he will come possibly one that can incorporate actions. to judge the living and the dead. See the list on page 14 or your usual WL: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, and worship song source. the continuing work of our salvation? 12. SERMON: Baptised to Be Congregation (or representative): I/we The Baptism Dialogue (page 15) could be believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic used as a sermon or the basis of a sermon. Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Emphasise that Baptism is not just a one-off body, and the life everlasting. Amen. event to be forgotten, but the beginning of a new life as a new kind of person — the 10. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM OR person you are baptised to be. AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM The text could be Galatians 5:22 (the fruit The minister/pastor/priest conducts the of the Spirit) which details actual sacrament of Baptism or rite of the kind of person we are Affirmation of Baptism according to your baptised to be under the church’s liturgy. control of God’s Spirit. Sample liturgies for Affirmation of Baptism Project the key words on can be found in the Together in Worship screen in bubble shapes. project of UCA and at www.calvin.edu/worship/planning/sacrament/ Alternatively use as text one of the Baptism 7_13_03.php passages listed on page 12. You may If the sermon is for ‘adults only’ and . invite children to sit or stand near the children are present, you may give font so that they can see what is children a special assignment which they happening can do at their seats with their families or in . give each child a small container of a special children’s area. bubble-blowing liquid (available from Possible assignments: most bargain shops for weddings and . Listen to the sermon and blow soap other occasions). Let them have a bubbles whenever the preacher uses practice blow before the liturgy and the word ‘baptise/Baptism’. then to hold them quietly in their laps and wait until they hear you say: I . Draw a picture of what happened in baptise you in the name of the Father the Baptism. (blow bubbles), Son (blow bubbles) and See bubble activities on page 18 for ideas Holy Spirit (blow bubbles). Alternatively, you may use if children leave the worship they could wait and blow lots of area during the sermon. bubbles when you present the baptised person to the congregation at the end 13. OFFERING of the Baptism liturgy Explain that your offering is ‘a thank-you to . explain what you are doing God for what he has done for the person baptised’ and/or ‘a gift to help the church Consider having a media-like ‘voice serve more people’. over’ commentator who gives the
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Explain the procedure for giving/collecting worship leader or a capable older the offering. child explains: If there are guests, be sure to explain that WL: We want to give you something to giving an offering is a privilege of members help you remember this service and — if and guests are not expected/required to you have been baptised — your own participate. Baptism. 14. SONG Some of the children will be bringing you a piece of soap. Take it home and put it in The band leads the congregation in your bathroom. Use it this week when you singing a Baptism song or an offering song. wash your hands. As you do so, you may like to blow some bubbles. 15. CLOSING PRAYER The worship leader (or a prayer leader, or The speaker may demonstrate hand- several prayer leaders) prays washing and making bubbles of soap film held between the hands. . for the people just baptised, . for the members of the congregation, But we really hope that each time you use the soap you will remember that in Baptism . and for the community and the world. God washes you and makes you a new, If the Lord’s Prayer is not used elsewhere in clean, forgiven person. the service, the prayers may conclude with the Lord’s Prayer as a summary of all 17. BLESSING our concerns. WL: Go in peace. Be what God has made you to be. Amen. 16. ANNOUNCEMENTS . Give brief announcements needed for 18. SONG congregational life in the next week, The band leads the congregation in being aware of visitors why may not be singing a joyful, close-of-worship song from concerned with housekeeping matters. page 14 or from your usual worship song . Explain procedures for leaving the source. worship area. If children have bottles of bubble mixture . Invite visitors/guests to join in after- they could blow bubbles during a chorus service fellowship. of the song, or lead a procession out of the worship area. . Give people a memento of the service. Explain what you are giving them, why 19. AFTER THE SERVICE you are giving it, and how you intend The worship leader and the baptised them to use it, eg persons may stand at the door as a 1. Give each family a sheet with ideas ‘reception line’ so all worshippers can they can use at home for greet them as they leave. remembering that they are Provide a fellowship morning tea or meal Baptised to Be (see sample on for the Baptismal party and the page 20) congregation after the service. 2. Give each person a small bar of Have bubble activities for children in a soap. Have children with baskets of safe area away from adults with hot drinks. soap circulate through the See page 18. Better still; invite everyone to congregation distributing a soap participate in some activities together. bar to each person while the
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Some Bible Passages Relating To Baptism BAPTISM STORIES WHAT BAPTISM IS AND DOES John baptises Jesus Forgiveness of sins Matthew 3; Mark 1, Luke 3 So I confessed my sins and told them all to Jesus blesses little children you. I said, ‘I’ll tell the LORD each one of Mark 10:13-16 my sins’. Then you forgave me (also Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17) and took away my guilt. Psalm 32:5 Philip baptises an Ethiopian official I will sprinkle you with clean water, and you Acts 8:26-39 will be clean and acceptable to me. I will wash away everything that makes you Saul (Paul) is baptised Acts 9:18 unclean, and I will remove your disgusting (also Acts 22:11-16) idols. Ezekiel 36:25 Lydia and her family are baptised In the future there will be a fountain, where Acts 16:13-15 David's descendants and the people of Philippian jailer and his family are baptised Jerusalem can wash away their sin and Acts 16:33 guilt. Zechariah 13:1 BAPTISM BY JOHN Peter said, ‘Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins I [John] baptize you with water so that you will be forgiven. Then you will be given the will give up your sins. But someone more Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your powerful is going to come, and I am not children. It is for everyone our Lord God will good enough even to carry his sandals. He choose, no matter where they live’. . . . On will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with that day about three thousand believed fire. Matthew 3:11 his message and were baptized. They (also John 1:33) spent their time learning from the apostles, Later, Jesus and his disciples went to and they were like family to each other. Judea, where he [John the Baptist] stayed They also broke bread and prayed with them for a while and was baptizing together. Acts 2:38,39,41,42 people. John had not yet been put in jail. Now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and He was at Aenon near Salim, where there the power of God's Spirit have washed you was a lot of water, and people were and made you holy and acceptable to coming there for John to baptize them. God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 John 3:22-24 Baptism is for all WHAT JESUS SAYS ABOUT BAPTISM ‘These Gentiles have been given the Holy Go to the people of all nations and make Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no them my disciples. Baptise them in the one would dare stop us from baptizing name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy them." Peter ordered them to be baptized Spirit. Matthew 28:19 in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days. Anyone who believes me and is baptized Acts 10:47,48 will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned. New life Mark 16:16 When we were baptized, we died and I tell you for certain that before you can were buried with Christ. We were baptized, get into God's kingdom, you must be born so that we would live a new life, as Christ not only by water, but by the Spirit. was raised to life by the glory of God the Humans give life to their children. Yet only Father. Romans 6:4 God's Spirit can change you into a child of I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I God. John 3:5,6 now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. Galatians 2:20
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Each of you is now a new person. You are Washed clean becoming more and more like your He saved us because of his mercy, and Creator, and you will understand him not because of any good things that we better. Colossians 3:10 have done. God washed us by the power God’s children of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ All of you are God's children because of our Savior to give us his Spirit. Jesus treated your faith in Christ Jesus. And when you us much better than we deserve. He made were baptized, it was as though you had us acceptable to God and gave us the put on Christ in the same way you put on hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7 new clothes. Galatians 3:26,27 Those flood waters were like Baptism that Church unity now saves you. But Baptism is more than We have only one Lord, one faith, and one just washing your body. It means turning to Baptism. Ephesians 4:5 God with a clear conscience, because He made the church holy by the power of Jesus Christ was raised from death. his word, and he made it pure by washing 1 Peter 3:21 it with water. Christ did this, so that he JESUS DID NOT BAPTISE would have a glorious and holy church, Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard without faults or spots or wrinkles or any that he was winning and baptizing more other flaws. Ephesians 5:26,27 followers than John was. But Jesus' Free from Satan disciples were really the ones doing the God rescued us from the dark power of baptizing, and not Jesus himself. Satan and brought us into the kingdom of John 4:1,2 his dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets (All Bible quotations from the us free. Colossians 1:13,14 Contemporary English Version) Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
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Baptism Songs
In planning music for your service include at least one or two songs with a Baptism theme. A number of possibilities are listed below. You may introduce a new Baptism song by having it ‘performed’ by a band, choir or other musicians. Alternatively you can use the lyrics of the song as a basis for teaching about Baptism. Be sure to balance any songs that are new to the group with songs that are familiar. Keep in mind that visitors to the service may not be familiar with — or comfortable with — congregational singing. Give permission for people to simply listen if they wish to do so. Most traditional hymnals have sections of Contemporary songs that relate to Baptism Baptismal hymns, eg include: . Breathe on me breath of God (Hatch) . All things are possible (Zschech) Almighty God, my Redeemer . He that believes and is baptised shall see the Lord’s salvation (Kingo) . Born again (Bullock) I’m pressing forward . I am baptised, O blessed day (Mueller) . Born forever (Jaensch) . I was made a Christian (Jones) . Father welcomes all his children (Mann) . Just as I am, without one plea (Elliott) . He set me free (Valine) . Lord, in the strength of grace (Wesley) . I know it (Zchech) . Lord Jesus, once a child (Green) — for Baptism of a child . I’ll sing your song (Marshall) . Lord, you have founded through your . Stay (Munns) I‘m not the same Son (Zwick) . I’ve got something that the world can’t . My God, accept my heart this day give (anonymous) (Bridges) . Let the weak say ‘I am strong’ . Now in the name of him (Kaan) (Morgan) Complex language in this hymn makes . M-M-M-Miracle (Holmes) the first verse hard to understand. But . My Redeener lives (Morgan) I know he the other (simpler) verses mention a resuced my soul number of teachings about Baptism . New people new life (Beha) and link it to the Old Testament stories of Noah, Moses and Jonah . Oh, the mercy of God (Bullock) . Peace with the Father, peace with . One big family (Simpson) Christ his Son (Quinn) . The stone’s been rolled away (Bullock) . Thine be the glory (Budry) Yours is the I’ve been forgiven glory . You rescued me (Bullock) . O happy day that fixed my choice on you (Doddridge) . We praise you, Lord, for Jesus Christ (O’Neill) The hymn looks at some symbols of Baptism . When to the sacred font we came (Scottish Paraphrases, sung to Tallis Ordinal, based on Romans 6:3,4)
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A DIALOGUE ABOUT BAPTISM based on LUTHER’S SMALL CATECHISM This script can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to help the Planning Team think about Baptism. It can be used in an educational setting (eg Sunday school) to help people prepare for the worship service. The dialogue (or parts of it) can be used within the worship service itself, eg . A ‘Baptism Bubble’ puppet can do the ‘B’ parts in dialogue with a real person ‘A’ asking the questions. Consider using a round, opaque balloon on a stick with a face drawn on it as the Baptism Bubble. . The dialogue can be between two people puppets. Using puppets allows presenters to read (rather than memorise) the script. However it must still be well rehearsed. . A parent/child combo could do the dialogue. Child can be the Questioner and the Parent the Answerer (or vice versa). . A minister or teacher could have an informal dialogue with a young person (or several young people) using this script as a starting point, but dealing with the kids’ own questions. The dialogue could be used to introduce the concept of Baptism or it might be adapted for use as a sermon. B (popping or singing a bubbling sound, A: Awesome. The name of the Father and dancing or swaying to the rhythm): Bub, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those are bub — bub, bub bub. God’s words that are used with water to Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. make Baptism! A: You sound just like a bubble. What in the B: Right. world are you doing? And why are you A: But why do you do it? Oh, I know you do it doing it in church? because Jesus told you to. But why did Jesus B: Just kind of thinking about Baptism — want you to do it? What does it give us? and bubbles. Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. B: That’s the really important question — A: Yeah. Ok. If you’re doing all that what’s in it for us? thinking, can you tell me what it is? A: Well, yeah . . . B: Thinking? B: OK. Listen carefully: In Baptism God A: No. Baptism. I keep hearing that word. gives us But what, exactly is it? one — forgiveness of sins, two — freedom from the devil B: Baptism is water . . . and three — life with God forever. A: But it’s not just water, is it? A: Forgiveness, freedom, life — that’s some B: No. Baptism is water used with God’s heavy stuff! words in the special way he told us to use B: Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. it. Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. A: What did he say? A: What are you doing now? B (may read this from a Bible and/or have B: Just giving you some time to think about the words projected on screen): it. Jesus says: Go and make disciples of all nations, A: Thanks. Bub, bub . . . bub, but I can’t baptising them in the name of the Father see how water can do all that. and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. B: Remember, it’s not just the water. Water (Matthew 28:19 NIV) is just water, but in Baptism it’s water plus the all-powerful word of God. A: Yeah. You already said that.
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B: Need some more thinking time? A: That’s awesome. Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. A & B: Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. A: That’s all there is to it. Water and God’s Bub, bub — bub, bub bub. word? A: It’s awesome, alright. But what B: There is one other thing. difference does it make? — when we get out of here, I mean. A: Aha! I thought so. What else? B: Good question. If it doesn’t make a B: You’ve got to believe it. difference it’s not worth all the fuss, is it? A: Belive what? A: Nuh. B: Believe that God is God. B: But it does make a difference. When A: (Confidently) Allright. you’re baptised, you are baptised forever. You can always claim that you are God’s B: Believe that what God says is true. loved child. He has forgiven you for A: (A bit less confident) OK. always. You will live with him forever — no matter what. B: Believe it when God say that in Baptism he forgives you and gives you victory over A: Come on. I’ll still have problems. I’ll still the devil and gives you life with him do wrong things. I reckon I’ll still die — no forever. matter what you say. A: (Questioning) Yeah? B: That’s right. B: Believe that when we use God's word A: So . . . with the water, the Holy Spirit shows God's B: So you really need to remind yourself love for us by washing us clean from sin every day that you are baptised. and by giving us new life. And every time you have to make a tough A: That’s a lot to believe. How do you decision. know? And every time you have a problem. B: Baptism is more about believing than A: I am baptised. knowing. B: Forever. A: Bub, bub, . . .bub, but, but where’s the A: I am forgiven. proof? B: Yes. B: Go back to God’s word. (May read or have the words displayed.) A: God loves me and washed me clean — God saved us because of his mercy . . . his kind of clean. God washed us by the power of the Holy B: Yes! Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh A: I’m gonna live forever. beginning. B: Abso-bub-bub-bubble-lutely! Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. A: Abso-bub-bub-bubble-lutely! He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life. This message is certainly true. (Titus 3:5-8 CEV)
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Some Quotations Relating to Baptism
Wikipedia.com has a useful section on We should celebrate the day of our Baptism, particularly a comparison of Baptism as we do our birthday! . . .All various denominational understandings Christians should reflect on the meaning and practices. It includes the following: and importance of their own Baptism. Pope John Paul II " ... according to Acts 2:38, Baptisms follow from Peter's preaching Baptism in the A part of the act of Baptism in the Church name of Jesus and lead those baptized to of India is for the candidate to place his the receiving of Christ's Spirit, the Holy own hand on his head and say, ‘Woe is Ghost, and life in the community: They me if I preach not the gospel.’ This is part devoted themselves to the apostles' of the baptismal service of new members, teaching and fellowship, to the breaking not the ordination of ministers. of bread and the prayer (2:42) as well as E. Paul Hobey to the distribution of goods to those in Don't bother at all about that question of a need (2:45). person being ‘made’ a Christian’ by Those who heard, who were baptized and Baptism. It's only the usual trouble about entered the community's life, were already words being used in more than one sense. made witnesses of and partakers in the We might say a man ‘became a soldier’ promises of God for the last days: the the moment that he joined the army but forgiveness of sins through Baptism in the his instructors might say six months later ‘I name of Jesus and the outpouring of the think we have made a soldier of him’. Both Holy Ghost on all flesh (2:38). usages are quite definable, only one wants to know which is being used in a Similarly, in what may well be a baptismal given sentence. C.S.Lewis pattern, 1 Peter testifies that proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and To be baptized in God's name is to be teaching about new life (1:3-21) lead to baptized not by human beings but by purification and new birth (1:22-23). This, in God. Although it is performed by human turn, is followed by eating and drinking hands, it is nevertheless truly God's own God's food (2:2-3), by participation in the act. Martin Luther life of the community — the royal I have been baptized! (Martin Luther's priesthood, the new temple, the people of response to the Devil) Martin Luther God (2:4-10) — and by further moral formation (2:11 ff.). God went out and womped us with the water and the Word. He branded us and At the beginning of 1 Peter the writer sets now we are part of the herd. Monty Lysne this Baptism in the context of obedience to Christ and sanctification by the Spirit (1:2). We are all infant prodigies. Thomas Mann So Baptism into Christ is seen as Baptism Baptism saves you like a life preserver into the Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13). saves you. It's there. Cling to it. In the fourth gospel Jesus' discourse with Rich Melheim Nicodemus indicates that birth by water Gen-Xers use piercings and tattoos as their and Spirit becomes the gracious means of own sacramentals, partly because entry into the place where God rules (John religious institutions today are unable to 3:5)." Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry provide for deeply marking, profoundly (prepared by representatives across a experiential encounters. spectrum of Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Thomas Moore Beaudoin and Protestant traditions of Christianity) Vaccination is the medical sacrament
corresponding to Baptism. Samuel Butler
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Some Soap Bubble Activities
Any of these activities could be done . by all worshippers before the service . by children if they go to separate children’s activity during a sermon . by children (or anyone who wants to join in) after the service. Any of the bubble crafts can be mementoes of the service.
The internet provides lots of bubble ideas. . Zurqui (Bubbletown) for lots of bubble Google ‘soap bubble crafts’ and/or ‘soap information. bubble activities’. Then go to sites like There’s also a downloadable poster of . ‘creativekids at home’ for recipes for a giant bubble encompassing a city. bubble solutions and ideas for bubble Media reporters are interviewing a girl blowing wands. about the bubble. It might be fun to . ‘familyfun’ for a short video showing imagine this is a ‘Baptism bubble’ how to make soap bubble prints. Once surrounding your city or town and role- made, prints can be used to make play the questions that might be asked and the answers given. o cards for the person being baptised on the day ‘www.soapbubbler.com’ is an all-purpose o a background on which to mount a soap bubble site with a whole range of picture of the person being baptised information about the social and scientific o the background for a poster with a aspects of soap bubbles. It includes stories collage of pictures of people who of old-fashioned soap bubble parties. have been baptised Since the recipes and activities on these o the background for a poster of a US sites may call for materials not readily favourite Baptism text from the Bible. available here, you look at ‘members.ozemail.com.au’ which has lots . ‘kids-party-paradise’ for another of bubble science for enquiring minds. version of the soap bubble prints plus o bubble wrap prints and o bubble blowing designs
Don’t forget the simple fun of going outside, blowing bubbles and watching them drift off into the atmosphere.
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PHILIP BAPTISES
A MAN FROM ETHIOPIA (Acts 8:26–39)
Picture from dkimages.com
THIS STORY took place after Jesus died, When they came to a stream of water, the came back to life and went to heaven. man said, ‘Here's water. Why can't I be baptized?’ ETHIOPIA is a country in Africa. An important man from Ethiopia had gone to He ordered the chariot to stop. They both Jerusalem looking for answers to a lot of went down to the water, and Philip baptized him then and there. questions he had about life, God, faith and things like that. When they came up out of the water Philip went off, but the man didn't mind. He had HILIP was a follower of Jesus and a P what he'd come for and went on down member of the church in Jerusalem. the road as happy as he could be. When the man from Ethiopia was starting to go back home, an angel of God gave THINK AND TALK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS Philip a special job. ‘At noon today I want Who are the characters in the story? you to walk over to the road to Gaza’. What do we know about each one? Philip went and met the man coming Which one is most like you? In what way? down the road riding in a chariot and Why do you think the Ethiopian wanted reading the scroll of the Bible written by to be baptised? the prophet Isaiah. How is the story like what is happening Running up alongside, Philip asked, ‘Do here today? you understand what you're reading?’ What do you think the Ethiopian told his The man answered, ‘How can I without friends back home about this some help?’ and invited Philip into the experience? chariot with him. What do you think Philip told the other The passage he was reading was had to people in the church about this do with a person who suffered for others experience? without complaining. What could you tell someone about ‘Tell me,’ said the man, ‘Who is the what you’ve done in church today? prophet talking about: himself or some What questions do you have about life other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using and God and faith? this passage as his text, he told the man all about Jesus. How can you find answers to these questions?
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Remembering that you are Baptised to Be
When facing with decisions and temptations WEEKLY worship with your Church family — remember who you were baptised to be. people who, like you, have been baptised. It can be a weekly reminder of who you Saying the words ‘I am baptised in the are because of your Baptism. name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ can help you tap into the In worship you will be in the presence of power and protection God gives you. God, you will learn more about God, and you will praise and thank God, in whose DAILY remember that you have been name you were baptised. baptised to be. Consider: You may experience again the spiritual . hanging a framed Baptism certificate drowning of Baptism as you confess your or picture of your Baptism, or Baptism sins and the spiritual rising to new life as symbol near your bed as a reminder you you hear that God has forgiven you. can see each day and night. The Baptism of other people may . praying the Lord’s Prayer as a reminder reminded of your own Baptism. that we are baptised to be part of God’s family EVERY YEAR celebrate .the anniversary of (Our Father) your Baptism. a worker in God’s kingdom The first Christians took little notice of their (Your kingdom come) birthdays, but had great spiritual obedient to God (Your will be done) celebrations on the anniversary of their trusting God for all your needs Baptism. Such a celebration can be a (Give us today our daily bread) significant Christian family tradition. a new, clean, forgiven person . If it is feasible, take the day off work or (Forgive us our sins) school and visit a restful water-side spot a person for whom Jesus has won where you can meditate on what God has victory over temptations and evil made you to be in Baptism, how God has (Do not bring us to the test; deliver us been at work in your life in the past year, from evil). and how you want him to direct you in the coming year. . reading verses from the Bible to help . Have a party/meal to celebrate. Invite you to grow more and more into the people who were a part of your Baptism person you were baptised to be. event and/or invite some non-Christian You may keep a bookmark in your Bible friends that you can tell about Baptism with the words ‘I am baptised’ and through your celebration. consider what you read in the Bible in . Bring out any mementoes you have of terms of: What does this mean to me as a your Baptism event: photos, video, worship baptised Christian? program, certificate, napkin, candle . . . . using your daily shower/bath or and think/talk about the memories they handwashing as a reminder to thank God envoke. for the water of your Baptism that made . Light a candle as you have a brief you clean and gave you new life. service: read a Bible passage about . thinking of the life-giving Baptism water Baptism, repeat the Apostles Creed, pray when you water plants or give water to a the Lord’s Prayer and/or your own prayer pet. of thanks for your Baptism. . Blow bubbles.
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