W 175 Scripture-Based Liturgies

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Acts 8—A Service of the Word with Affirmation of Baptismal Vows

Introduction
This service follows the encounter of Philip with the Ethiopian official, and the latter's baptism. The opening versicles and responses, and the baptismal material are taken from Common Worship. Most of the other versicles draw on Isaiah, the book that the Ethiopian was reading.

When printing a service sheet, it would be helpful to include the texts of the readings. Minimal music is suggested here-there is scope for much more.

The Gathering
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
There is one body and one Spirit.
There is one hope to which we were called;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all.

Introduction to the service

Reading: Acts 8.26-29
Lord, you have shown us what is good:
to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.
You call us from every family under heaven
and we meet in the name of your Son.
You have made known your salvation,
and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations.
May your ways be known on the earth,
your saving power among the nations.

The Ministry of the Word

Song: Laudate Dominum (Taize)
Reading: Acts 8.29-34
Reflection on the reading

The Commitment

Reading: Acts 8.35-38
Silence

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
As we recall the baptism of the Ethiopian on the Gaza road, let us each remember also our own baptism, and declare afresh our allegiance to Christ:

The leader asks the people the six questions of the baptismal decision (Common Worship p 150) beginning:

Do you reject...?

The Alternative Profession of Faith (Common Worship p 373) may then be used, beginning:

Let us affirm our common faith in Jesus Christ.

Do you believe and trust...?

The congregation is sprinkled with water
May God cleanse us and renew his life within us
that we may confess his name this day and for ever.
Amen.

The Prayers

The Lord's Prayer is said.

We continue in prayer for the church and the world, using the response:
Your will be done on earth, O Lord (South African tune: Mayenziwe)

The prayers conclude with the collect for Epiphany.

The Sending Out

Reading: Acts 8.39-40
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and water the earth
so does the word of the Lord accomplish his will.
He summons those whom we do not know
and appoints us to be his witnesses.
We shall go out with joy
and be led forth in peace.

The people depart singing.

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