Responsive Call to Worship

         "Every morning is Easter morning from now on..." So goes that familiar chorus we have sung many times. This past week we let go of a beloved older brother in the faith, remembering his rich life and celebrating his future - as he is now fully in God’s hands. This morning we will baptize a beloved younger brother in the faith, launching him upon the greatest adventure ever, as a disciple of Jesus.
         It’s appropriate during this time of endings and beginnings to turn to the final book of the Bible. Here God’s Word draws to a close with an open door, revealing the new beginning God has in store. In this revelation, John envisions what is really real - beyond what we can see with our eyes. When we gather for worship, brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by a heavenly choir.
         Please turn in your hymnals to #689 in the back. Let’s stand and read, responsively, part of John’s vision. Your part is in bold print.

    Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne
          and the living creatures and the elders;
          they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
                singing with full voice,
    "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
            to receive power and wealth, wisdom and might,
            honor and glory and blessing!"
    Then I heard every creature in heaven
          and on earth and under the earth and in the sea,
                and all that is in them, singing,
    "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
            be blessing and honor and glory and might
            forever and ever!"
                                                                     Revelation 5:11-13   -   Hymnal #689 

Opening Prayer

         Lord of life, of love, of peace, of time itself, we stand in awe of your eternal presence and resurrection power. We open our lives, once again, to your involvement. Come, Lord Jesus. As you sit in heaven, be seated here on the throne of our hearts. Forgive us our sin, and enter in. Amen.

Vows of Commitment

Minister: Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive him as your Savior and Lord?

Candidate: I do.

Minister: Will you turn away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live according to the example and teachings of Jesus?

Candidate: I will.

Minister: Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service?

Candidate: I will.

Congregation: "With joy we receive you as part of this congregation. With you we renew and reaffirm our vows of faith. We promise to surround you with the love and encouragement that will enable you to grow strong in compassion, vigorous in service, and sure in the way of Christ."
           ("congregation" part by Carol A. Wise, For All Who Minister, ©1993, Brethren Press, Elgin IL)

Minister: Let's go and prepare for baptism.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Yes, when one person steps forward in faith and commits his or her life to Christ, we all are given a fresh opportunity to recommit our lives. In the coming months, there will be plenty of occasions for doing so, for several others will be baptized as well, and we are only doing a few at a time. Brothers and sisters, we are in a "season" of new life in Christ.
         As you return your offering, recall your own baptism. What made it special? What steps have you taken since then to grow deeper in the faith? Those of you who have yet to make such decisions, imagine what God can do in your life... This summer, our denomination’s Annual Conference will take place right here in Baltimore. This year’s theme is "Revive Us, Again." How appropriate for this "season of baptisms" we enter today.
         Would the ushers come forward to serve?

Prayer

         We praise you, Lord, and thank you for reviving us again, and again, and again. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Baptism

Minister:  (name) , upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name         (trine immersion, forward, fully "dunked")
               - of the Father,
               - and of the Son,
               - and of the Holy Spirit.

         O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name) . May (he/she) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (him/her) to guide and to empower. Enable (him/her) to walk in newness of life, using (his/her) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Responsive Affirmation

Leader:  Through baptism we are united to Jesus Christ
                    and given part in Christ's ministry of reconciliation.
              Baptism is the visible sign of an invisible event:
                    the reconciliation of people to God.
              Baptism shows the death of the old self and the rising to life of a new self.
              It shows also the pouring out of the Holy Spirit
                    on those whom God has chosen.
              Baptism declares God's forgiveness;
                    it seals the gift of the Spirit
                    and joins the believer to the body of Christ.

People: This is the water of baptism.
              Out of this water we rise with new life,
                    forgiven of sin,
                    and one in Christ,
                    members of Christ's body.
                             (#778 in Hymnal,  Adapted from Book of Worship United Church of Christ, ©1986)