Baptism of Christ A
January 13, 2008

With thanks to page sponsor:
Rev. R. Karl Watkins
and First United Methodist Church,
Sheffield, Iowa USA
(Oct 07-08)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Isaiah 42:1-9
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 29:1-10

Acts 10:34-43
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 10:34-38

Matthew 3:13-17

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: Traditional BCP - RCL.
  • The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year A, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings, 2002.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
  • Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
  • ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
  • Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Baptism
    • Baptism of Jesus
    • John the Baptist
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Baptism
    • Call
    • John the Baptist Types
    • Conversion
• Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
• Special Resources on Baptism:
  • "Baptism," Wikipedia.
  • "Conversion and Baptism: A cross cultural perspective in the light of the encounter between Judaism and Hellenism," William Loader, Professor on New Testament, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
  • Baptism and Baptismal Vows in The Catholic Encyclopedia (1916).
  • By Water and the Spirit: United Methodist official statement and articles about baptism, 1996.
  • The Use of the Means of Grace, an ELCA statement on the practice of word and scarament.
  • On Baptism: Against the Donatists, Augustine of Hippo.
  • "Baptism and Rebaptism," Vernard Eller, The Christian Century 1965. At House Church Central.
  • "Ecclesiological and Ecumenical Implications of Baptism," Walter Kasper, The Ecumenical Review, 2000.
  • "Baptism and the Process of Christian Initiation," Paul S. Fiddes, The Ecumenical Review, 2002.
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Proper 1A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Baptism of the Lord, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Christine Roy Yoder, Craig R. Koester, and Mark Allan Powell, Luther Seminary.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 1A, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Epiphany 1A, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Rumors, January 13, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Preaching Helps (Baptism of the Lord, 2008). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • SAMUEL, Baptism of Christ, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, Sermon Seeds, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • disclosing new worlds, Baptism A, Lawrence Moore.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Baptism of Christ, 2008, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Sermon Nuggets, Epiphany 1A (Baptism), 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Jesus Now, Epiphany 1A. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Stories & Anecdotes, Baptism of our Lord, collected by Jack Lohr, Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
  • The Baptism of our Lord, January 13, 2008, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
  • Text Studies, Epiphany 1, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Pericope Study, Epiphany 1A, Richard Burgess, Greater New Haven Conference Clergy, ELCA.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, First Sunday after Epiphany, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Taking On Our Humanness!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • "The Most Difficult Instrument to Play," Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 January 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Estudio Exegético-Homilético, Enero de 2008, Instituto Universitario Isedet.
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Isaiah 42:1-9
  • Psalm 29
  • Acts 10:34-43
  • Matthew 3:13-17
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Baptized into Submission," Blogging Toward Sunday, Erin Martin, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Baptism of Our Lord, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "Wading into the Waters: The Baptism of Jesus," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • Progressive Bible Study, Xpatriated Texan / Pastor Dan, Street Prophets.
  • "Voice," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Voices of Truth," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
  • "Called In or Out?" Angela Bauer-Levesque, Mary Foulke, Robert Griffin, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • Lectionary Haikus: The Baptism of the Lord, Among the Hills.
  • Preaching Isaiah, Rev. Dr. David N. Mosser, Reflections on the Lectionary for January, 2008, The Living Pulpit.
  • Daily Reflection, Baptism of the Lord, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Baptism of Christ, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2008.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 1A, 2005. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • "The Voice of the Lord," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • "Servanthood," Timothy Nakayama, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2005.
  • "Remembering Who We Are," by Kari Jo Verhulst. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2002.
  • "Rare Sightings," Barbara Lemmel. Commentary from The Christian Century, December, 1998. At Religion Online.
  • Epiphany 1: A Tall Tale, Merechristian.org, an online journal by the Rev. J. Barry Vaughn, Ph.D.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • "Baptism Made Real," the Rev. Randy Calvo, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Baptism of Our Lord (RCL), by the Very Rev. Anthony F.M. Clavier, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • "Call, Ministry and the Gift of Our Imperfect Lives," Peter Bankson, Seeker's Church, 2005.
  • "Down Comes the Tree," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2005.
  • "Baptism? What Do We Teach?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle.
  • "The Beginning Holds the Future 1," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2001.
  • Selected sermon by the Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedus, in Sermons that Work, ECUSA, 2005.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Baptism of Jesus, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Entertaining Angels," study guide, Acts 10:34-43, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Hospitality," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Baptism of the Lord, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Following God's Son," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
  • Bible Study - Baptism - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• The Text This Week's Epiphany Resources Page.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Baptism of the Lord, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Baptism of Jesus, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Epiphany 1A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Lighting Up the World," Baptism of Jesus, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Baptism of the Lord, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ: Epiphany Story, Holy Communion and Affirmation of Baptism, Epiphany and Baptism of Our Lord: Epiphany story emphasizing the coming of the Light, Holy Communion with Affirmation of Baptism. Lisa Frenz, Mr Carmel Lutheran Church.
  • Liturgies Online, Baptism of Jesus, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Baptism of our Lord, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • "Called to Righteousness," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Baptism of the Lord, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada:
    • "God's Time of Affirmation"
    • "To Fulfill All Righteousness"
    • "To Establish Justice and Fulfill All Righteousness"
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Baptism, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Prayers of the People, Year A - Baptism. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Baptism of the Lord, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • The Billabong, Baptism of Jesus, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  • Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Proper 1A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
  • A Prayer for Christ's Baptism, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Baptism of the Lord, the Rev. Dr. Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Prayer of the Church, Baptism of Our Lord, 2008, Let Us Pray, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
  • Offertory Prayers for January, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Baptism of the Lord, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 January 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art, Baptism of Christ, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Baptism of Christ, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 1 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Lighting Up the World," Baptism of Jesus, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Baptism/Baptism of Our Lord Powerpoint Slides, Will Humes, Word & Table.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Baptism of Christ, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • "On Jordan's Bank," Barbara Bernstengle, eBulletins reflections, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, First Sunday after Epiphany, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Down by the Jordan," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, LOBE DEN HERREN 14 14.478.
    • "God, With Joy We Look Around Us," original hymn for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune:  REGENT SQUARE   "Angels, from the Realms of Glory"
    • "When Jesus Came from Galilee," TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Matthew 3:13-27. TUNE: "Martyrdom," by Hugh Wilson (1800). New Hymns for the Lectionary.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Baptism of Christ A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Baptism of Jesus, 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Gathering, Baptism of Jesus, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Baptism of the Lord, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Starters for Sunday, 13 January 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, January 13, 2008, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Sing for Joy, Baptism of Our Lord A, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • The Bible and Epiphany: The Wise Men and the Baptism of Jesus, crossword puzzle, Bruce Gillette.
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Baptism of our Lord. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
  • Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Matthew 3:13-17, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
• With Children (see also listings "With Children" at individual scripture pages, linked above):
  • Gathering, Baptism of Jesus, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Baptism of the Lord, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Together with God," "With You I Am Well Pleased," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • Ideas and Talks for Epiphany, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.