During the Season after Epiphany, the gospel readings focus on the call of the disciples and on the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus. Traditionally, this is a time when the church focuses on its “call” and mission in the world. With his baptism, Jesus began to take specific action in response to God’s call. God also summons us, both as individuals and as a people. God’s call to us is not something we hear with our ear, but something we feel with our hearts.

~ from Youth Spirit 2: Program Ideas for Youth Groups by Cheryl Perry

Note: included in this book resource is a list of movies (p. 72-74) that explore such themes as All Saints; Stereotypes and Prejudice; Racial Discrimination; The Bible; Faith; Aids; Balance; Death/Life after Death; and Identity/Self-Esteem. It is an excellent resource for anyone who desires to put their faith into action.

The gospel of Mark is the oldest, the shortest, and the most direct of the gospels. Mark does not include a birth story, but rather moves directly to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. The writer of the gospel of Mark identifies the baptism of Jesus as an acknowledgement of Jesus’ divine sonship, and a starting point in Jesus’ adult ministry. The symbolism of the heavens opening, the divine voice, and the descent of the dove point to Jesus as an agent of God’s saving work.

At his baptism, Jesus heard a voice declaring him as God’s beloved. Some people have not heard such words of acceptance in their lives. Being part of an accepting and welcoming group can model God’s love and acceptance of each person. As you prepare to lead, pray that all in the group may come to know that they are loved and accepted by God.

To be recognized, appreciated and applauded for what we do in life has to be the essence of any human being’s sense of self respect and self worth.

~ Jonathon Welch

• “A Baptism of Life Change,” Adult resource sheet from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson
• Option: use the paraphrase “Jesus Is Baptized” based on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (p. 45) and/or “Throw Your Money in the River” (p.40) based on Acts 8:4-25 from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year C

Some of the many options for exploring Jesus’ baptism  and being God’s beloved include:

• Ages 3-5: dove paintings or glitter globe
• Ages 6-8: dove cards or dove-shaped soap
• Ages 9-11 and Multiage: making baptism cards or writing a litany
• Ages 12-14: labyrinth reflection or making cards
• Ages 15-18: baptism discussion and/or reaching out
• Adult: baptism cards and/or community outreach

• Look at the poster “Face to Face” (also available for projection on Ages 15-18 disk) as you read Mark 1:4-11. How might the knowledge of God’s love and affirmation support you as you face new beginnings?
• Gather and Bless: If possible bring the songs “Invocation” (p.19 in Seasons Songbook Vol. 7 and #5 on Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD) and “Pulsing Spirit” (p. 27 in Seasons Songbook Vol. 7 and #7 on Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD ; also available as an mp3 download)

January 15 – Called and Recalled

Focus: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]

Each of the readings for today relate to call. Samuel’s call is to prophesy to Eli with a message that is hard to give and hear. The psalmist’s call is one to know and to be known by God who creates everything. Paul’s message to the Christians at Corinth is a call to live out their freedom guided by community. John calls followers and acknowledges the role of signs in the process. How do we relate our personal calls with calls to community?

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