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*All who are able may stand.

Our songbooks:
HS = Hymns of the Saints, large burgundy book
SP = Sing for Peace, small burgundy book
NS = Sing a New Song, small gold book

R-x = By Request: Songs for the Community of Christ, small book with Temple spire

1. The World Church theme and lectionary scripture lessons for the day can often be used in creative and fresh ways to incorporate a sacrament. However, if they do not fit, a theme more directly applicable to baptism can be drawn from scripture or hymnody. Often baptisms are held at a river or lakeside. Bulletins are less common in such circumstances. To those accustomed to bulletins, such services will require attention to verbal instructions that do not interrupt the flow and focus of worship.
   
   
2. If possible, a guitar, flute, cello, saxophone, or clarinet would be a fitting instrument to guide the congregation into worship. The same instrument(s) could be used as accompaniment for the three congregational meditation songs that follow.
   
   
3. The songs can be sung to the congregation, by the congregation, or in combination.
   
   
4. The welcome is an opportunity to issue an invitation for all to join in worship, with a special welcome to guests. The presider announces the theme and indicates that today’s service will focus on the sacrament of baptism.
   
   
5. This scripture acknowledges worship as a time when disciples can call out to God as they would to a loving parent. It prepares the congregation to receive the good news that we are the family of God, God’s children. It also anticipates the ‘inheritance’ of suffering and of glory to be symbolized in the act of baptism later in the service. A family member of the baptismal candidate might be asked to read the scripture.
   
   
6. The purpose of the invocation is to express thanks to God for God’s presence and grace, to ask for God’s Spirit to touch individuals and the community in life changing ways.
   
   
7. The scripture lesson is connected specifically to the theme: "The Dying and the Rising." Many citations can be used to emphasize other significant meanings of the sacrament of baptism, including Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:7-9, John 3:5, Acts 2:37-38, Colossians 2:12, Doctrine and Covenants 17:21, and Mosiah 9:35-42.
   
   
8. The 8-10 minute challenge to the baptismal candidates and the congregation is based on the scripture lesson. The speaker shares remarks on the nature of the sacrament and a challenge to the congregation and the candidates focusing on the personal commitment of the candidate and the corporate responsibility to support and nurture new disciples.
   
   
9. The stanzas of the baptismal hymn on which the theme is based are used to highlight statements of commitment by the candidates and congregational representative.
   
   
10. Each candidate makes a statement of personal commitment.
    
    
11. Ask a representative of the congregation to make a pledge of support to the baptismal candidates.
    
    
12. Prior to each baptism, the names of the candidate and officiating minister are announced. Instrumental music is appropriate for meditation as the candidates and ministers enter and leave the water.
    
    
13. An offering is appropriate if it takes place as a part of regular congregational worship. It is often not included when the baptism is held on another occasion or outside of the congregational building. The scripture provides opportunity for the person giving thoughts and prayer upon the offering to build on the connection between tithes, church mission, and the call to invite others to be baptized.
    
    
14. This hymn from By Request: Songs for the Community of Church, affirms God’s generosity—a helpful follow-up to the offertory. It alludes once again to the symbol of water so central to the sacrament of baptism. It also petitions God for love, hope, protection, and peace as we depart.
    
    
15. The presider closes the worship by sending forth the baptismal candidates and all gathered disciples. In a brief declaration she/he assures them of God’s faithfulness and calls them to be faithful to God’s call to love the world and to make new disciples within their spheres of influence.
    
    
16. In some jurisdictions it is customary to greet the candidate with an embrace and words of congratulations and support as the worship participants part from the baptismal setting.