Baptism of Christ C
January 10, 2010

With thanks to page sponsor:
Rev Mike Mair
Dundee, Scotland
in appreciation of Jenee's work
(Nov0910)

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

Isaiah 43:1-7
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 29:1-5

Acts 8:14-17
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 10:34-38

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Roman Catholic reading: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Reading and Studying The Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year C.
  • 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
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Anathea Portier-Young, Matthew Stith, Karoline Lewis, and Roy Harrisville.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Baptism of the Lord, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "Affirmed by Love," reflection by Kate Huey, Baptism of Christ, 2010, SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 1C, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Epiphany 1C, 2010). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Baptism of Jesus C, 2010, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Epiphany 1C, 2010, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Lectionary Study, Epiphany 1C, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation, 2010.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Baptism of Christ C, 2010, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for January 10, 2010, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • "Who Rekindles Your Light?" Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Baptism of Christ, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Preaching Helps, The Baptism of Our Lord, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2004.
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Text Studies, Epiphany 1, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Starters for Sunday, 10 January, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Isaiah 43:1-7
  • Psalm 29
  • Acts 8:14-17
  • Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • "The Messiah's Credentials," George C. Heider, Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2010.
  • Sermon Brainwave, January 10, 2010. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, "Deep End of the Pool" Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2010. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • "Baptized and Beloved," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook. (Use of Images.)
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • Epiphany Season Sermon Starters, Robert V. Dodd, The Circuit Rider, 2010.
  • "Paper, rock, scissors: water, Spirit, fire, Baptism of Jesus C," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
  • Baptism of Jesus, Laura & Matt Norvell, Grounded & Rooted in Love, 2010.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2010.
  • "God, in Christ, Has Earned it For Us," Halden Doerge, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
  • "The Baptism of Jesus: A Vision and a Voice," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2007.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 1, 2007. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2010.
  • Baptism: Fire, Water and New Life, Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, 2010.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Baptism of Christ, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2010.
  • Daily Reflection, Baptism of the Lord, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2010.
  • Articles at The Christian Century:
    • "Signs and Sounds," Lawrence Wood, 2006.
    • "Naming Names," Jack Good, 2003.
    • "Somebody's Calling My Name," Peter Storey, 2000.
    • "The Outset," John Stendahl, 1997.
    • "A Costly Baptism," Glen V. Wilberg, 1994.
  • Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
    • "Fearless Submission," Walter Brueggemann, "Wondrous, Inexplicable, Demanding Newness," 2010.
    • "Baptism by the Elements," Malinda Elizabeth Berry, "Jesus' Healing Waters," 2007.
    • "Water and Fire," Michaela Bruzzese, "The Good News," 2004.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year C. 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):
  • "God Believes in You," the Rev. Dr. Joanna Adams, Day 1, 2010.
  • Sermons that Work, Epiphany 1, Katerina Whitley, ECUSA, 2010.
  • Baptism of the Lord, Rev. Edward P. Smith, The Pastoral Preaching Web Site, The Athenaeum, Mount St. Mary's Seminary, 2009.
  • "Baptism-Shaped Life," the Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad, Day 1, 2007.
  • Selected Sermon, Epiphany 1 (RCL), by Katarina K Whitley, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2007.
  • "What Will the Anointed One Be Like?" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2004.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Affirmed by Love," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, i.UCC.org, 2010.
  • Lectionary Notes, Baptism of the Lord Sunday, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Epiphany, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Baptism of the Lord, 2010 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
• Special Day Resources: Baptism
  • "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 of Jesus," and "Baptism," Wikipedia.
  • Baptism, Baptismal Vows in The Catholic Encyclopedia (1916).
  • By Water and the Spirit: United Methodist official statement and articles about baptism, 1996.
  • 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.
• 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.

On Line Worship and Liturgy Resources

• The Text This Week's Epiphany Resources Page includes links to artistic images of the Baptism of Christ.
• Complete Liturgies (including hymns & prayers):
  • Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany 1, 2010): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Baptism of the Lord, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010.
  • Worship Resources, Epiphany Season, 2010, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Baptism, Ministry, Call," Baptism of Jesus C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Liturgies Online, Baptism of Jesus, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Baptism of the Lord, 2010, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 1C, 2009. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Epiphany 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Epiphany 1C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • 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.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year C, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.

• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc.:

  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, 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 C - Epiphany 1: Baptism. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, The Baptism of the Lord, Year C, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • "Winnowing Fork," prayers, Katherine Hawker, Outside the Box.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, NZPB.  Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Offertory Prayers for January, 2010, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 10 January, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Baptism of the Lord, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "'I Am God's Beloved!' Renewing Baptismal Promises," Service Prayers for Epiphany 1C, Worship Ways, UCC, 2010.
  • A Prayer for the Baptism of Our Lord, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2010.
  • Prayer and Benediction for Baptism of Our Lord, Year C, Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, Dim Lamp, 2010.
  • Sunday Prayer: Living the Baptism of Christ, RevGalBlogPals, 2010.
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Baptism of the Lord. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Baptism, Ministry, Call," Baptism of Jesus C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year C index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Baptism of Jesus, 2010. Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • "Baptized and Beloved," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook. (Use of Images.)
  • Commercial Site: "Baptism of Our Lord," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
  • Bulletin Cover Line Drawings - a number of people are sharing weekly bulletin cover line drawings for free use, at the Textweek Facebook Page.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
  • Scripture Pics, Weekly RCL-related image.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Baptism of Jesus, 2010 at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Bulletin Backs with Stewardship Messages, December 2009 - February 2010, Worship Ways, UCC.
  • "Watery Transformations," reflection by the Rev. K. Jason Coker, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Epiphany 1C, 2010, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
• Music and Hymns:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "Ascribe to God," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • The Psalmistry: Psalm 29 - All Psalms Music: original Christian sheet music, lyrics, guitar chords, midi, mp3 files for all 150 Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 1C, 2010, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Baptism of Jesus, 2010, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • 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.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to The Baptism of our Lord.
    • Gathering, Baptism of the Lord, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Baptism of the Lord, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Baptism of the Lord, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Together to Celebrate, Baptism of Jesus C, 2010, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Starters for Sunday, 10 January, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Baptism of the Lord, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Sing for Joy playlist. Baptism of Our Lord, 2010. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College. 2007.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Gathering, Baptism of the Lord, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children / Older Children, Epiphany, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Baptism of Our Lord, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • Ideas and Talks for Epiphany, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Baptism of the Lord, 2010 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Baptism, Ministry, Call," Baptism of Jesus C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Anna," Anne E. Curtis, dramatix.
  • "Peter's Confession," Fred Lane, dramatix.
  • "A Voice in the Desert," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Slam Dunk," Nina Wallestad, Dramatic License. Conditions of Use.