Liturgy at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Baptism of Our Lord + January 12, 2020 + 9am & 11am In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing. [1] Help us create SACRED SPACE by powering down Please do not use cell phones and other electronic devices. The ringing of the meditation bowl calls us to silence, centering and reflection as we prepare for worship. If the rituals and practices of our liturgy are new to you, please participate as you feel comfortable and are able. As you pass the baptismal font upon entering or leaving the church you may dip your hand in the water and make the sign of the cross. This is an ancient body prayer to remember you are a baptized child of God. Simply touch your forehead to chest, then your left to right shoulder. GATHERING prelude Christ, when for us you were baptized Johann G. Walther (1684-1748) Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. Our liturgy is multi-sensory and shows the significance of our bodies and all of God’s creation. Used in many religions, the sweet smell of incense represents the rising of our prayers and the aroma of Christ spreading in procession throughout the world. We honor (cense) the primary symbols of the liturgy: the people, font, ambo (lectern), book of scriptures, cross, and table (altar). gathering hymn When Christ’s appearing was made known [2] greeting During the greeting the presiding minister and assembly bow toward one another. We learn from eastern cultures the deep significance of a bow as a sign of mutuality and the presence of Christ among us. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. canticle of praise [3] prayer of the day Let us pray…Amen. Please be seated. WORD first reading Isaiah 42:1-9 The first Servant Song is appointed because Christians have seen in it a description of Jesus Christ, the one chosen by God to bring forth justice throughout the world. By baptism, believers are called into the way of Christ to be a new creation, to receive the name of God and become lights in the world. Response: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Psalm 29 Paraphrase: Michael Morgan The assembly sings the Psalm paraphrase together. [4] [5] second reading Acts 10:34-43 This passage from Acts is chosen to coordinate with the gospel from Matthew 3. The sermon put into Peter’s mouth places baptism as the beginning of Christian ministry. All who believe in the name of Jesus receive forgiveness. Response: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Stand to welcome the gospel as Christ—the Word of God—as it is proclaimed among us in this place and time. Turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly, a sign of Christ among us. gospel acclamation Setting: John Ferguson The cantor/choir sings the alleluia first and the assembly repeats. The cantor/choir sings the verse. A voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."(Matt. 3:17) Alleluia… As the gospel is announced, you may trace a small cross on your forehead, lips and breast, a prayer that the Word may dwell in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. gospel Matthew 3:13-17 At his baptism, Jesus hears the voice of God, receives the Spirit of God, and is acclaimed Son of God. For Christians, this narrative illumines Christian baptism, when believers also are adopted as children by the name of the triune God. Before the gospel After the gospel The holy gospel according to Matthew. The gospel of the Lord. Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Alleluia…(sung as above) sermon Following the sermon there is a time of silence for reflection and quiet meditation. Our liturgy is not only made up of words, gestures, and music, but also moments of silence. [6] Stand hymn of the day #304 Christ, when for us you were baptized At 9am the liturgy continues with the thanksgiving for baptism below. At 11am the liturgy continues on pg. 9 with the baptism. thanksgiving for baptism Following an introduction, the presider continues: I therefore ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? I renounce them. Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? I renounce them. Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? I renounce them. Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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, [7] the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God's faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. People of God, do you promise to support and pray for one another in your life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us. Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in your people the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen. May the Spirit descend anew on us, that we may faithfully serve you and live as your beloved daughters and sons. [8] At 9am the liturgy continues with the prayers of intercession on the next page. BAPTISM presentation Assembly response: We do. profession of faith Renunciation of Evil Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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, [9] the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. thanksgiving at the font The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. baptism Sung twice after the baptism: Clothing with a White Robe Laying on of Hands Signing with the Cross Presentation of a Candle welcome Let us welcome the newly baptized. We welcome you into the body of Christ and the mission we share; join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world. prayers of intercession After each petition: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. peace The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The assembly is invited to share God’s peace with one another saying, “Peace be with you,” or similar words. Be seated. [10] MEAL setting the table A special welcome to newcomers! We invite you to fill out the yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate when you come up for communion or as you depart. Offerings may be put in the basket on the way to communion. Loose/undesignated offerings support ministries that Holy Trinity has identified as core to our values to support people who are homeless, hungry, refugees, LGBTQ+, and our anti-racism work.