Baptism of Christ

The First Sunday after the Epiphany: 
The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
January 13, 2019

The Sundays after the Epiphany tell the story of Jesus' public work and ministry, starting with his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. In the weeks that follow, we will hear about the first miracle at the wedding in Cana, the calling of the disciples, and Jesus' teachings and miracles. The season ends with the Transfiguration, where, as at his baptism, Jesus is revealed as the Son of God.

This season can last anywhere from four to nine weeks, depending on the date of Easter. It ends on the Tuesday (Mardi Gras) before Ash Wednesday. Throughout the season, our liturgy and music illuminate the gospel readings as Jesus is made manifest, bringing light and life and calling us to the renewal of our own baptismal vows.

There is an interesting Nebraska connection to one of today's hymns. During the creation of The Hymnal 1982, the text committee was searching for additional hymns on the theme of the Baptism of Christ. "I come," the great Redeemer cries, was brought to the attention of the committee by the Marian Barnett (1926-2012), who was then serving as the parish musician at Trinity Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Nebraska. The text was paired with an English tune, This Endris Night, and was included in the hymnal (Hymn 116). Marian was well known in this diocese as the coordinator of the Leadership Program for Musicians Serving Small Congregations (LPM) and Education for Ministry.  She later served as the parish musician for Church of the Holy Spirit in Bellevue, Nebraska. By sharing her knowledge and expertise, this Nebraskan made an important contribution to the hymnody of the Episcopal Church. 

Music for Sunday, January 13, 2019
Hymns
135   Songs of thankfulness and praise   Salzburg
121   Christ, when for us you were baptized   Caithness
296   We know that Christ is raised and dies no more   Engelberg
124   What star is this, with beams so bright (stanza 5)   Puer nobis
116   I come, the great Redeemer cries   This Endris Night
490   I want to walk as a child of the light   Houston
448   O love, how deep, how broad, how high (stanzas 1-3, 6)  
Deus tuorum militum

Service Music
Gloria in excelsis S-277   New Plainsong, David Hurd
Psalm 29   St. Martin's Psalter, Thomas Pavlechko
Sanctus S-125   A Community Mass, Richard Proulx
Fraction Anthem S-154   New Plainsong, Hurd

Anthems
Vidi Aquam    Marty Wheeler Burnett
This Is My Son   Fred Gramann

Art: Baptism of Christ, Zagitov Vladimir
   



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