Service of Baptism - August 25, 2024
Welcome - Rev Chad Delaney
- Good morning all and welcome to Mantua Center Christian Church. We are also joined today by some folks from our sister church, Hilltop, as well as their student pastor, Eric Davis. We are so glad to have you all here with us.
- As always, we gather not as perfect people, but people seeking to be led by the Spirit of the Living God, to be the people God has called us to be.
- Linda Head and Candy Lloyd as our celebrants this morning--each of them have heard God’s call to renew their baptismal vows.
- There are responsive readings so keep your bulletin handy.
- If you have an offering to share please use the baskets and table over there.
- Thank you for being here today to support Linda and Candy. May God’s Spirit inspire all of us to renew our own commitments to God’s work in the world.
Scripture - Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to the disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Pass the Peace
Call to Worship
ONE: Family in Christ, we gather to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism.
ALL: There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us.
ONE: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of us all.
ALL: For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, servant or free-- all made to drink of one Spirit.
ONE: Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
ALL: Thanks be to God!
Opening Hymn - “Spirit of the Living God” #259
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me
Opening Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Creator Spirit, who in the beginning hovered over the waters, who at Jesus’ baptism descended in the form of a dove, who at Pentecost was poured out under the signs of fire and wind, come to us, open our hearts and minds, so that we may hear the life-giving word and be renewed by your power. We thank you for your Spirit here today and we pray for those, present and absent, who are in need of your loving and healing presence.
Hear us now as we pray the prayer you taught us…Our Father…
Message - Rev. Chad Delaney
Today, we gather to witness a profound and sacred moment in the life of our sisters in Christ. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is a call that Jesus makes to all his disciples—each of us here today. It’s a call to go forth into the world, to share the Good News, and to live out our faith in a way that reflects the love and grace of our living God.
Baptism is more than just a ritual or tradition; it’s an outward sign of an inward journey, a powerful symbol of transformation and commitment. Today, we are not just witnessing a singular moment; we are witnessing a declaration of faith, a commitment to a life lived in Christ. To love our neighbors and even our enemies. To forgive. To listen. To heal. To offer compassionate presence. To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger. To sacrifice one’s own will for the will of God.
Our celebrants have each walked their own unique journey of faith. For years, God has been with them, guiding their way, and today, they are here to again publicly affirm their faith, to declare that they belong to Jesus Christ. Their baptism today is the covenant renewal of God's grace in their lives—that has truly been with them all along. It is a living symbol of a covenant between them and the Lord. In choosing to renew their baptism vows and immerse themselves in the waters…they are affirming God's gifts of love, grace, and mercy, and committing themselves to live a life modeled after Jesus.
Theologically speaking, baptism is a means of Grace. A way that God breaks through a weary world to affirm that we belong to God and we are one with each other in building God’s kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. It is both a symbol of dying to our old selves and a celebration of the new life we have in Christ. Paul writes in Romans 6:6, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with." In baptism, as we go under the water, we let go of all that holds us back from fully embracing our identity as disciples of Jesus. That moment under the water symbolizes the burial of our old selves—the sins, the regrets, the burdens that weigh us down. It is a moment of surrender, where we experience a glimpse of what life is like apart from God's love and grace. It is a powerful reminder that the old life is gone, and a new life awaits.
And Paul doesn’t leave us in the water. He continues, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). Thanks be to God that we are not left in the depths! We emerge from the water, not as we were, but as new creations in Christ. We rise to walk in newness of life, breathing in the fresh air of grace, seeing the light of God's love, and feeling the embrace of our church family.
In ancient times, many baptistries were designed to resemble a mother's womb. This was to symbolize that through baptism, we are born again—starting anew, re-entering the world as children of God, with a fresh start and a renewed purpose.
So today, as we witness their baptisms, let’s remember the words of Paul in Romans 6:11, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." We are excited for you both and celebrate the transformation that God is working within you and in each of us, the new life that Christ offers, and the joy of walking together as disciples of Christ. May God bless you as you renew your commitment to live in unity in the way of Jesus.
Receiving New Disciples
Invite the celebrants to come forward
Pastor: Do you seek to turn from selfishness and greed, hatred and apathy--all the powers that seek to TAKE life--and turn to Christ who calls us to share and be the embodiment of love and life in the world?
Celebrant: I do
P: Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him as Savior and his way to be salvific for your life and the Creation?
C: I do
P: Looking to your baptism, do you in the company of all Christians believe in God--the Source, the fountain of Life? In Christ--the Servant, who brings Hope & Redemption; and in the Holy Spirit--the Guide, the Liberating Wellspring of life?
C: I do
P: Will you strive as a Disciple to be committed to your church, community, and world in Christ’s spirit of grace, peace, justice, and love?
C: I do
P: Do you, then, desire to maintain your covenant with this part of the Body of Christ, the Mantua Center Christian Church and the Hilltop Christian Church, to offer your gifts and ministry?
C: I do
We’ll now go down to the river for baptism. Please take your bulletins with you for our responsive reading.
Sacrament of Baptism
Prayer of Blessing - Chad
We thank you, God, for the gift of creation called forth by your saving Word. Before the world had shape and form, your Spirit moved over the waters. Out of the waters of the deep, you formed the firmament and brought forth the earth to sustain all life. In the time of Moses, your people Israel passed through the Red Sea waters from bondage to freedom and crossed the flowing Jordan to enter the promised land. In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus Christ, who was baptized by John in the water of the Jordan, became living water to a woman at the Samaritan well, washed the feet of the disciples, and sent out women and men to baptize all the nations by water and the Holy Spirit. By your Holy Spirit, bless this water O God. By your Holy Spirit bless Linda and Candy as they proclaim Jesus as the Lord of their lives and receive fully the grace and mercy you have for them. Create new life in each of them that they may rise truly in Christ. Amen.
Scripture Reading - Romans 6:3-4
3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Baptisms
This is NAME, she comes today to renew her baptism vows and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
NAME--child of God--I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit be upon you, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the church.
Welcome After Baptism - Rev Chad Delaney
Linda and Candy have risen from the waters of baptism to newness of life. Each has renewed their commitment to be one with the witnesses of God from all times and places. Through baptism, God promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to nurture them all the days of their lives. Let us add our blessing and pledge our love as we welcome them into our living communities of faith
ALL: We rejoice in God’s empowering love, freely given to all. We welcome you, newly baptized, into the love of Christ’s Church. We praise God for your gifts for ministry. We promise to pray for you and to love you. We covenant with you to love God and neighbor with our hearts, minds, and souls.
We will now head back to the pavilion for Communion.
Sacrament of Communion
Welcome - Rev Chad Delaney
As their first act after Baptism, our celebrants will help serve communion. Everyone is welcome to participate as they feel led. When invited, we’ll form two lines, and all are welcome to come forward to take a piece of bread and dip it into the cup. After you partakee, there are elders stationed nearby with pitchers of water for your own baptism remembrance. Feel free to go over and have water poured over your hands. You can make the sign of the cross on your hand or forehead to remember your baptism. Remain closeby for our closing song and prayer.
Meditation
Prayer
Words of Institution - Rev. Chad Delaney
SONG - “Let us Break Bread Together” #425
1 Let us break bread together on our knees; (on our knees)
let us break bread together on our knees. (on our knees)
[Refrain:]
When I fall on my knees,
with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)
2 Let us drink wine together on our knees; (on our knees)
let us drink wine together on our knees. (on our knees) [Refrain]
3 Let us praise God together on our knees; (on our knees)
let us praise God together on our knees. (on our knees) [Refrain]
Closing Song - “I have Decided to Follow Jesus” #344, v.1-2,4
1 I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus--
no turning back, no turning back.
2 The world behind me, the cross before me,
the world behind me, the cross before me,
the world behind me, the cross before me--
no turning back, no turning back.
4 Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Benediction - Chad
THANKS to Camp Hi, Ryan Lind, Mike Hoskin, Shawne
Let us Pray,
Lord, today we give you thanks and praise for this time together. We thank you for your children--Linda & Candy--and for your Holy Spirit which will continue to bless them with the fire of your presence. Send your Spirit among all of us, stir within us remembrance that we always remain in your love. Enliven our praise, strengthen our hands, guide us in work and play, in service and compassion, assure us once more and again of your sustaining power in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen