Sundays at All Hallows (January 11, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday is the First Sunday after the Epiphany, also known as the Baptism of our Lord Sunday. It is with Easter, Whitsunday (Pentecost), and All Saints one of the designated Baptismal Sundays of the year in Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic churches, on which the sacrament of Baptism is celebrated or, when there are no candidates for Baptism, baptismal vow are renewed by the congregation.
In this Sunday’s message we take a look at a particular aspect of baptism that all who have been baptized or who are considering baptism should fully acquaint themselves.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Redeemer Church Adelaide’s instrumental arrangement of IN CHRIST ALONE.
Silence
Open our lips, O Lord,
and we shall declare your praise.
This is the day that the Lord has made,
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Chris Juby’s “Worship the Lord” (Psalm 100).
Worship the Lord
with joyful songs of praise;
sing of his love,
his everlasting grace.
He is the Lord,
the maker of all things;
heaven adores
and all creation sings.
Holy, holy, holy
God almighty,
worthy of all praise.
Great in power
and endless glory:
worthy, worthy of all praise.
Look to the one
who leads us all our days;
trust in his love
and follow all his ways.
He is the Lord,
the maker of all things;
heaven adores
and all creation sings.
Holy, holy, holy
God almighty,
worthy of all praise.
Great in power
and endless glory:
worthy, worthy of all praise.
Gladly approach his gates,
enter his courts with praise.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
He has been good to us
in mercy and faithfulness.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
Gladly approach his gates,
enter his courts with praise.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
He has been good to us
in mercy and faithfulness.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
Holy, holy, holy
God almighty,
worthy of all praise.
Great in power
and endless glory:
worthy, worthy of all praise.
Gladly approach his gates,
enter his courts with praise.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
He has been good to us
in mercy and faithfulness.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tim Hughes, Millie Ferguson, Dan Ferguson, Nick Herbert, and Taku Mudere’s “Let Everything That Has Breath.”
Praise him in the heights
All you heavenly hosts
Sun and moon and stars
All you angels praise
Praise him here below
Every heart and soul
Join the melody
We have come to praise
Give praise
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
See the nations come
Every tribe and tongue
Gather around the throne
Of the worthy one
Give praise
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
From age to age we lift your name
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
From age to age we lift your name
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
From age to age we lift your name
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
So bless the Lord
Oh my soul
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
Bless his holy name
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Open our lips, O Lord,
and we shall declare your praise.
This is the day that the Lord has made,
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Chris Juby’s “Worship the Lord” (Psalm 100).
Worship the Lord
with joyful songs of praise;
sing of his love,
his everlasting grace.
He is the Lord,
the maker of all things;
heaven adores
and all creation sings.
Holy, holy, holy
God almighty,
worthy of all praise.
Great in power
and endless glory:
worthy, worthy of all praise.
Look to the one
who leads us all our days;
trust in his love
and follow all his ways.
He is the Lord,
the maker of all things;
heaven adores
and all creation sings.
Holy, holy, holy
God almighty,
worthy of all praise.
Great in power
and endless glory:
worthy, worthy of all praise.
Gladly approach his gates,
enter his courts with praise.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
He has been good to us
in mercy and faithfulness.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
Gladly approach his gates,
enter his courts with praise.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
He has been good to us
in mercy and faithfulness.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
Holy, holy, holy
God almighty,
worthy of all praise.
Great in power
and endless glory:
worthy, worthy of all praise.
Gladly approach his gates,
enter his courts with praise.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
He has been good to us
in mercy and faithfulness.
We will rejoice
and bless his name.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tim Hughes, Millie Ferguson, Dan Ferguson, Nick Herbert, and Taku Mudere’s “Let Everything That Has Breath.”
Praise him in the heights
All you heavenly hosts
Sun and moon and stars
All you angels praise
Praise him here below
Every heart and soul
Join the melody
We have come to praise
Give praise
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
See the nations come
Every tribe and tongue
Gather around the throne
Of the worthy one
Give praise
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
From age to age we lift your name
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
From age to age we lift your name
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
From age to age we lift your name
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
So bless the Lord
Oh my soul
Bless his holy name
Everyone everywhere
Bless his holy name
Bless his holy name
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
God of all mercy,
we humbly admit that we need your help.
We confess that we have wandered from your way.
We have sinned in thought, word and deed
and have failed to do what is right.
You alone can save us.
Have mercy on us,
wipe out our sins and teach us to forgive others.
Bring forth in us the fruit of the Spirit
that we may live the new life to your glory.
This we ask in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ and live.
in response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe the gospel.
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
God of all mercy,
we humbly admit that we need your help.
We confess that we have wandered from your way.
We have sinned in thought, word and deed
and have failed to do what is right.
You alone can save us.
Have mercy on us,
wipe out our sins and teach us to forgive others.
Bring forth in us the fruit of the Spirit
that we may live the new life to your glory.
This we ask in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ and live.
in response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His steadfast love endures forever!
[Those present may greet each other.
Grace and peace be with you.
And also with you.]
Open this link in a new tab to hear James McDonald, Philip Percival and Alanna Glover’s “Lead Us In Your Truth.”
Verse 1
God of earth and heaven, maker of mankind
You spoke creation into life
Your word at the beginning, breaking through the dark
You wrote your law upon our hearts
Chorus
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Verse 2
Came to dwell among us, from the Father’s side
The glory of our Saviour Christ
Author of salvation, full of truth and grace
You speak the words of lasting life
Chorus
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Verse 3
The grass will fade and wither, flowers wilt and fall
Your word endures forevermore
Your promises unchanging, your wisdom never fails
Calling us to stand by faith
Final Chorus
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
And fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Help us live for you
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Heavenly Father,
give us faith to receive your word,
understanding to know what it means,
and the will to put it into practice,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 42:1-9
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
“I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Morrow’s “The Voice of the Lord” (Psalm 29).
The voice of the Lord
Is over the waters
With power and strength
And glorious thunder
And the earth will shake
The trees will fall
As the voice of God is heard
See the flame burst forth
New life is born
And his people cry: “Glory!”
The voice of the Lord
Is mighty to conquer
The power of death
Is power no longer
And the lame will dance
The blind will see
And the dead will rise again
For the Word of God
Has walked with us
And he makes us cry: “Glory!”
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever…
And the earth will shake
The trees will fall
As the voice of God is heard
See the flame burst forth
New life is born
And his people cry: “Glory!”
And the lame will dance
The blind will see
And the dead will rise again
For the Word of God
Has walked with us
And he makes us cry: “Glory!”
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever…
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 10:34-43
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
This Sunday’ Gospel reading is a short one. But it is also a very important one. It is Matthew’s account of the baptism of Jesus. Having John baptize him was Jesus’ first step when he started his public ministry. His baptism also points to an important aspect of our own baptism.
Regardless of whether we were baptized as an infant or later in life, our baptism set us apart for the work of ministry to which all Christians are called, not just pastors. It is a watershed moment in our lives.
We may not—even as adults—recognize how important this particular moment is. We have become workers in God’s vineyard. We may not begin to tend the vines and harvest the fruit right away, but it is to work in God’s vineyard that our parents have dedicated us or we have dedicated ourselves.
If you are not familiar with the term “vineyard,” it is a piece of land on which grape vines are grown. In his Gospel Matthew tells us that Jesus told two parables, the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Matthew 21:33-46, and the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Matthew 20:1-6, in which a vineyard both represents the world in which we live and God’s kingdom. Our calling as Christians is comparable to laborers employed by the owner of the vineyard, that is, God. God assigns to us what work we are to do in his vineyard and where we are to do this work.
During the three short years of his ministry those whom Jesus called to be his disciples, he prepared to carry on his ministry after him. He not only taught them but also showed them by example. When he thought that they were ready, he sent them out in pairs.
After he rose from the dead and before he ascended into heaven, Matthew tells us, Jesus gave his disciple these instructions, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20a) Matthew also tell us that he made this promise to them. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
The instructions that Jesus gave and the promise that he made were not just to the original disciples. They were meant for every succeeding generation of his followers until he returns. They form a general description of the kind of work that we as laborers in God’ vineyard are expected to do. Multiplying disciples. Baptizing them. Teaching them.
In this Sunday’s second reading from the Act of the Apostles we have an example of Simon Peter, one of the original disciples doing just that. According to Matthew, Jesus, when he invited the fisherman Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to follow him, he told the that he would send them out to fish for people (Matthew 4:18-20). In the reading we find Simon Peter sharing gospel and leading people to Jesus, fishing for people as Jesus had told him.
Indeed, all Christian are expected to do what Simon-Peter was doing. While every Christian is not expected to preach to a crowd like Simon Peter, every Christian is expected to be an ambassador for Christ as the apostle Paul put it (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing Jesus in whatever part of his vineyard God has assigned to us.
The instructions Jesus gave the original disciples and the promise he made to them were for us too. This is God’s plan for our lives—that we come to know Jesus ourselves and make Jesus known to others so that they may also know him and make him known.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “When John Baptized by Jordan's River.”
1 When John baptized by Jordan's river
in faith and hope the people came,
that John and Jordan might deliver
their troubled souls from sin and shame.
They came to seek a new beginning,
the human spirit's ageless quest,
repentance, and an end of sinning,
renouncing every wrong confessed.
2 There as the Lord, baptized and praying,
rose from the stream, the sinless one,
a voice was heard from heaven saying,
`This is my own beloved Son.'
There as the Father's word was spoken,
not in the power of wind and flame,
but of his love and peace the token,
seen as a dove, the Spirit came.
3 O Son of Man, our nature sharing,
in whose obedience all are blest,
Saviour, our sins and sorrows bearing,
hear us and grant us this request:
daily to grow, by grace defended,
filled with the Spirit from above;
in Christ baptized, beloved, befriended,
children of God in peace and love.
[People of God, what do you believe?]
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
[Let us join together in the prayer which Jesus gave us.].
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Be exalted, Lord, above the heavens,
let your glory cover the earth.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Let your way be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Send out your light and your truth
that we may tell of your saving works.
Have mercy upon the poor and the oppressed.
Hear the cry of those in need.
Hear our prayers, O Lord,
for we put our trust in you.
Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
Grant to us, who are born of water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for all people and for the Church throughout the world.
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has promised that you
will hear us when we ask in faith: receive the prayers we offer.
We pray for the peace of the world and the welfare of your holy Church.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for our Bishop N, and for all the clergy and people.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for [Charles our King][…… our President], for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
[We pray for seasonable weather, and for an abundance
of the fruits of the earth.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.]
[We pray that we may share with justice the resources of
the earth, and live in trust and goodwill with one
another.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.]
We pray for the aged and the infirm, for widows and
orphans, and for the sick and suffering.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for the poor and oppressed, for prisoners and captives, and for all who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves and for each other.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We praise you, Lord God, for the communion of saints, and
for the glorious hope of the resurrection to eternal life.
Faithful God,
you have promised to hear the prayer
of all who ask in Jesus’ name.
In your mercy, accept our prayer.
Give us what we have asked in faith,
according to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tim Hughes, Mia Fieldes, and Rob Ellmore’s Send The Fire.”
We Your people called by name
Humble ourselves and we pray
Come and have Your way
For the lost soul to be saved
For the dead things to be raised
Come and have Your way
Come and have Your way
Send the fire, send the fire
We need a move of Heaven
The glory of Your presence
In this city, in this nation
We need a move of Heaven
The glory of Your presence
Every stronghold has to break
In the power of Your name
Jesus have Your way
Come and have your way
Give us courage in this fight
Give us strength God for what’s right
Jesus have Your way
Come and have your way
Jesus have your way
In our hearts, fan the flame
Stir up our faith
In our lives, here today
Lord do it again
We need revival
We need revival
Spirit of the living God
Rushing wind come breathe on us
A mighty move that never stops
We need another Pentecost
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear St. Aidan’s Community’s “The Grace (2 Corinthians 13:14).”
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
[Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.]
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His steadfast love endures forever!
[Those present may greet each other.
Grace and peace be with you.
And also with you.]
Open this link in a new tab to hear James McDonald, Philip Percival and Alanna Glover’s “Lead Us In Your Truth.”
Verse 1
God of earth and heaven, maker of mankind
You spoke creation into life
Your word at the beginning, breaking through the dark
You wrote your law upon our hearts
Chorus
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Verse 2
Came to dwell among us, from the Father’s side
The glory of our Saviour Christ
Author of salvation, full of truth and grace
You speak the words of lasting life
Chorus
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Verse 3
The grass will fade and wither, flowers wilt and fall
Your word endures forevermore
Your promises unchanging, your wisdom never fails
Calling us to stand by faith
Final Chorus
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
And fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Help us live for you
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Heavenly Father,
give us faith to receive your word,
understanding to know what it means,
and the will to put it into practice,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 42:1-9
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
“I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Morrow’s “The Voice of the Lord” (Psalm 29).
The voice of the Lord
Is over the waters
With power and strength
And glorious thunder
And the earth will shake
The trees will fall
As the voice of God is heard
See the flame burst forth
New life is born
And his people cry: “Glory!”
The voice of the Lord
Is mighty to conquer
The power of death
Is power no longer
And the lame will dance
The blind will see
And the dead will rise again
For the Word of God
Has walked with us
And he makes us cry: “Glory!”
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever…
And the earth will shake
The trees will fall
As the voice of God is heard
See the flame burst forth
New life is born
And his people cry: “Glory!”
And the lame will dance
The blind will see
And the dead will rise again
For the Word of God
Has walked with us
And he makes us cry: “Glory!”
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever
He is King
The Lord enthroned forever…
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 10:34-43
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
What Everyone Who Has Been Baptized or
Who Is Considering Baptism Should Know
This Sunday’ Gospel reading is a short one. But it is also a very important one. It is Matthew’s account of the baptism of Jesus. Having John baptize him was Jesus’ first step when he started his public ministry. His baptism also points to an important aspect of our own baptism.
Regardless of whether we were baptized as an infant or later in life, our baptism set us apart for the work of ministry to which all Christians are called, not just pastors. It is a watershed moment in our lives.
We may not—even as adults—recognize how important this particular moment is. We have become workers in God’s vineyard. We may not begin to tend the vines and harvest the fruit right away, but it is to work in God’s vineyard that our parents have dedicated us or we have dedicated ourselves.
If you are not familiar with the term “vineyard,” it is a piece of land on which grape vines are grown. In his Gospel Matthew tells us that Jesus told two parables, the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Matthew 21:33-46, and the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Matthew 20:1-6, in which a vineyard both represents the world in which we live and God’s kingdom. Our calling as Christians is comparable to laborers employed by the owner of the vineyard, that is, God. God assigns to us what work we are to do in his vineyard and where we are to do this work.
During the three short years of his ministry those whom Jesus called to be his disciples, he prepared to carry on his ministry after him. He not only taught them but also showed them by example. When he thought that they were ready, he sent them out in pairs.
After he rose from the dead and before he ascended into heaven, Matthew tells us, Jesus gave his disciple these instructions, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20a) Matthew also tell us that he made this promise to them. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
The instructions that Jesus gave and the promise that he made were not just to the original disciples. They were meant for every succeeding generation of his followers until he returns. They form a general description of the kind of work that we as laborers in God’ vineyard are expected to do. Multiplying disciples. Baptizing them. Teaching them.
In this Sunday’s second reading from the Act of the Apostles we have an example of Simon Peter, one of the original disciples doing just that. According to Matthew, Jesus, when he invited the fisherman Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to follow him, he told the that he would send them out to fish for people (Matthew 4:18-20). In the reading we find Simon Peter sharing gospel and leading people to Jesus, fishing for people as Jesus had told him.
Indeed, all Christian are expected to do what Simon-Peter was doing. While every Christian is not expected to preach to a crowd like Simon Peter, every Christian is expected to be an ambassador for Christ as the apostle Paul put it (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing Jesus in whatever part of his vineyard God has assigned to us.
The instructions Jesus gave the original disciples and the promise he made to them were for us too. This is God’s plan for our lives—that we come to know Jesus ourselves and make Jesus known to others so that they may also know him and make him known.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Timothy Dudley Smith’s “When John Baptized by Jordan's River.”
1 When John baptized by Jordan's river
in faith and hope the people came,
that John and Jordan might deliver
their troubled souls from sin and shame.
They came to seek a new beginning,
the human spirit's ageless quest,
repentance, and an end of sinning,
renouncing every wrong confessed.
2 There as the Lord, baptized and praying,
rose from the stream, the sinless one,
a voice was heard from heaven saying,
`This is my own beloved Son.'
There as the Father's word was spoken,
not in the power of wind and flame,
but of his love and peace the token,
seen as a dove, the Spirit came.
3 O Son of Man, our nature sharing,
in whose obedience all are blest,
Saviour, our sins and sorrows bearing,
hear us and grant us this request:
daily to grow, by grace defended,
filled with the Spirit from above;
in Christ baptized, beloved, befriended,
children of God in peace and love.
[People of God, what do you believe?]
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
[Let us join together in the prayer which Jesus gave us.].
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Be exalted, Lord, above the heavens,
let your glory cover the earth.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Let your way be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Send out your light and your truth
that we may tell of your saving works.
Have mercy upon the poor and the oppressed.
Hear the cry of those in need.
Hear our prayers, O Lord,
for we put our trust in you.
Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
Grant to us, who are born of water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray for all people and for the Church throughout the world.
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has promised that you
will hear us when we ask in faith: receive the prayers we offer.
We pray for the peace of the world and the welfare of your holy Church.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for our Bishop N, and for all the clergy and people.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for [Charles our King][…… our President], for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
[We pray for seasonable weather, and for an abundance
of the fruits of the earth.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.]
[We pray that we may share with justice the resources of
the earth, and live in trust and goodwill with one
another.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.]
We pray for the aged and the infirm, for widows and
orphans, and for the sick and suffering.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for the poor and oppressed, for prisoners and captives, and for all who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves and for each other.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We praise you, Lord God, for the communion of saints, and
for the glorious hope of the resurrection to eternal life.
Faithful God,
you have promised to hear the prayer
of all who ask in Jesus’ name.
In your mercy, accept our prayer.
Give us what we have asked in faith,
according to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tim Hughes, Mia Fieldes, and Rob Ellmore’s Send The Fire.”
We Your people called by name
Humble ourselves and we pray
Come and have Your way
For the lost soul to be saved
For the dead things to be raised
Come and have Your way
Come and have Your way
Send the fire, send the fire
We need a move of Heaven
The glory of Your presence
In this city, in this nation
We need a move of Heaven
The glory of Your presence
Every stronghold has to break
In the power of Your name
Jesus have Your way
Come and have your way
Give us courage in this fight
Give us strength God for what’s right
Jesus have Your way
Come and have your way
Jesus have your way
In our hearts, fan the flame
Stir up our faith
In our lives, here today
Lord do it again
We need revival
We need revival
Spirit of the living God
Rushing wind come breathe on us
A mighty move that never stops
We need another Pentecost
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear St. Aidan’s Community’s “The Grace (2 Corinthians 13:14).”
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
[Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.]
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