Baptism

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

 Ask: I wonder how Jesus felt when he went under the water to be baptized?

I wonder how Jesus felt when he came out of the water?

Do you remember what happens in our church when someone is baptized?

You can find the rite of Holy Baptism in the Book of Common Prayer. (or at that link.)

Do you remember any of your baptism?

Adults, do you remember anything special from seeing your child’s baptism?

Say: At the end of the Baptism the priest says "You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever”.

Ask: What does that mean to you?

When we are baptized, the Church tells us that each one of us is God’s own forever. Just like Jesus, each one of us is a beloved child of God.

Finish with Prayer: 

God, thank you for making us a family. Help us to remember that each one of us is Beloved.
God, today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God, today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God, today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.

Amen