The African American Lectionary

Worship Resources

BAPTISM AND EPIPHANY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, January 4, 2009 (Epiphany begins January 6, 2009)

Chad Brawley, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Director of Worship Arts, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, TX

Worship Planning Notes
This Sunday Baptism is highlighted. Given that this is the first Sunday of the year, a good occasion is provided for church leaders to teach why your church believes in baptism and to teach about the form of baptism in which it engages. Devote at least one page of your church bulletin/order of worship to baptism. Include information such as why your church baptizes, when your church baptizes, how one can become a candidate for baptism, applicable Scripture references, and persons in your church who can be contacted for additional information.

This Sunday is also just two days before Epiphany for most Western Christian churches. Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sundown, the evening of January 5th is the Twelfth Night.

In many traditional Christian churches (not typically including Baptists, Pentecostals and Holiness) Christmas, as well as Easter, is celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of the Church Year associated with Christmas actually begins with the first Sunday of Advent, four Sundays before Christmas Day. Advent is marked by expectation and anticipation in preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Christmas begins with Christmas Day, December 25, and lasts for Twelve Days until Epiphany, January 6, which looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity.

The term epiphany means “to show” or “to make known” or even “to reveal.” In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who, by so doing, “reveal” Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

Epiphany is now observed as a time of focusing on the mission of the church in reaching others by “showing” Jesus as the Savior of all people. It is also a time of focusing on Christian brotherhood and fellowship, especially in healing the divisions of prejudice and bigotry that we all too often create between God’s children.

Epiphany Activities

Be sure to check with your church leadership to find out if your church/parish will celebrate Epiphany on Tuesday, January 6th or Sunday, January 4th. You will need time to plan ahead. Remember this as you will probably be consumed with Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. You might consider including this celebration (especially if your service is on January 6th) in your marketing for Christmas/New Year’s.

Colors: Adorn your altar and other appropriate areas in your worship space with white and gold.
If your church utilizes ushers/greeters, make sure that they are stationed and clearly visible from the parking lot to the church altar. People should be greeted at least three times between their arrival by car or bus until they are seated. During that journey, ask your ushers/greeters to include a catch phrase in their greetings, such as: “Welcome to our church! Have a great time in worship today as Christ is revealed!” Create something that fits your church culture, and be sure to include an element of Epiphany.

1. Invocation or Litany
(a) Instrumental Prelude
We Have Come Into This House. By Bruce Ballinger

(b) Call to Worship

We Welcome the Light of the World!

Leader:	Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
Congregation:	Now God has spoken to us by a Son.
Leader:	God made the world through the Son, who has been appointed heir of all things and the perfect reflection of God's glory.
Congregation:	The Son is the exact representation of God’s being, sustaining all things by his powerful Word.
Leader:	Praise God for the gift of the Son.
All:	We welcome the Light of the world!

An Epiphany Prayer

Sustainer and Creator, we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ, we who once were not your people but whom you chose to adopt as your people. As ancient Israel confessed long ago, we realize that it was not because of our own righteousness, or our own superior wisdom, or strength, or power, or numbers. It was simply because you loved us, and chose to show us that love in Jesus.

Will you enable us through your abiding presence among us, communally and individually, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the name we bear? May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues and ways that we have not imagined of holding the light of your love so that it may be a light of revelation for all people.

We thank you for your love, praise you for your gift, ask for your continued presence with us, and bring these petitions in the name of your Son, who has truly revealed your heart.

Amen.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) This Little Light of Mine. Spiritual

(b) O Come All Ye Faithful. By Frederick Oakley. Tune, (Adeste Fideles) by John Wade

(c) We Three Kings of Orient Are. Text and Tune, (Kings of Orient) by John Hopkins, Jr.

(d) Brightest and Best. By Reginald Heber. Tune, (Morning Star) by John P. Harding

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Behold the Star. By William L. Dawson. For SATB

(b) This Little Light of Mine. Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan

(c) Behold the Star. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Jesus Is the Light That Shineth in Me. By V. Michael McKay

(b) Jesus Is the Light. By Butch Heyward

(c) How Great Is Our God. By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash

(d) Glory to Your Name. By Jimmy Fisher

(e) Believe, Baptized, Born Again. By Michael Cartright. This is ideal for a male quartet or chorus groups

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Hero. By Kirk Franklin

(b) Alpha and Omega. By Erasmus Mutahbira

6. Anthems
(a) Well, the Savior Is Born. By Glenn Burleigh

(b) Arise and Shine! Your Light Has Come. By Joseph Martin

(c) People of the Light. By Joseph Martin

7. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) He Came Down. Cameroon traditional. Arr. by John L. Bell

(b) Flow to You. By Paul Morton

8. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Sanctuary. By John Thompson

(b) Give Me a Clean Heart. By Margaret Douroux

9. Sermonic Selection
(a) When the Saints Go to Worship. By Donald Lawrence

(b) Special Gift. By Walter Hawkins

(c) Order My Steps. By Glenn Burleigh

10. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) People Need the Lord. By Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh

(b) Lord I Want to Be a Christian. Negro Spiritual. Adapt. by John Work, Jr.

(c) I Surrender All. Text and Tune, (Surrender) by Judson Van De Venter

11. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) As You Go, Tell the World. By Valeria Foster

(b) The Lord Bless You/Sevenfold Amen. By Peter Lutkin

(d) Go Tell It on the Mountains. Negro Spiritual. Adapt. by John Work, Jr.

12. Audio Visual Suggestion
The colors of Epiphany are usually white and gold, the colors of celebration, newness, and hope that mark the most sacred days of the church year. Choose a bulletin cover that incorporates these colors or graphics depicting the visit of the Magi.

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Invocation or Litany
(a) Instrumental Prelude
We Have Come Into This House. By Bruce Ballinger
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #174
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #30

Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #506

(b) Call to Worship
We Welcome the Light of the World! By David W. Romig. Used with Permission.
Location:

Romig, David W. “Resources: Calls to Worship for Epiphany.” Reformed Worship: Resources for Planning and Leading Worship. Issue 21, September 1991.
Online location: http://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-1991/calls-worship-epiphany

“The Season of Epiphany.” CRI/Voice, Institute.
Online location: http://www.crivoice.org/cyepiph.html, accessed 8 September 2008.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) This Little Light of Mine. Negro Spiritual
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #549
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal Official Hymnal of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Charlotte, NC: A.M.E. Zion Pub. House, 1996. #617

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #190

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #511

(b) O Come All Ye Faithful. By Frederick Oakley. Tune, (Adeste Fideles) by John Wade
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #199
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #95

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #20

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #93

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #203

African American Heritage Hymnal. #218

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #124

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #27

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #97

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #213

(d) Brightest and Best. By Reginald Heber. Tune, (Morning Star) by John P. Harding
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #219
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #126

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Behold the Star. By William L. Dawson. For SATB
Location:

Neil A Kjos Music Company
4382 Jutland Drive
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: 858-270-9800
Online location: www.kjos.com
Audio Sample: http://kjos.vo.llnwd.net/o28/audio/mp3/t111.mp3

(b) This Little Light of Mine. Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan
Location:

Hal Leonard Corporation
960 East Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-454-2920
Online location: http://halleonard.com

African American Heritage Hymnal. #216

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Jesus Is the Light That Shineth in Me. By V. Michael McKay
Location:

Florida Mass Choir. Live in Miami, Florida. Jackson, MS: Malaco, 1986.

(b) Jesus Is the Light. By Butch Heyward
Location:

Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. Focus On Glory. New York, NY: Verity, 1991.

Morton, Paul. Embracing the Next Dimension. New York, NY: Light, 2008.

(d) Glory to Your Name. By Jimmy Fisher
Location:

Cage, Byron. The Prince of Peace. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2003.

(e) Believe, Baptized, Born Again. By Michael Cartright. This is ideal for a male quartet or chorus groups.
Location:

The Concert Supremes. We Got a Message. Natchitoches, LA: Quartet Boyz Records, 2004.

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Hero. By Kirk Franklin
Location:

Franklin, Kirk. Hero. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2005.

(b) Alpha and Omega. By Erasmus Mutahbira
Location:

Israel & New Breed. Alpha & Omega. New York, NY: Sony/Epic, 2005.

6. Anthems
(a) Well, the Savior Is Born. By Glenn Burleigh
Location:

Glenn Burleigh Music
PO Box 16091
Oklahoma City, OK 73113
Phone: 405-232-7477
Online location: www.glenmusik.com

(b) Arise and Shine! Your Light Has Come. By Joseph Martin
Location:

Shawnee Press, Inc.
1107 17th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 1-800-962-8584
Online location: http://www.shawneepress.com/

Shawnee Press, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-962-8584
Online location: http://www.shawneepress.com/

7. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) He Came Down. Cameroon traditional. Arr. by John L. Bell
Location:

Hill, LaRue. You Don’t Know the Cost of My Praise. Flint, MI: Upright Entertainment, 2007.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #200

(b) Flow to You. By Paul Morton
Location:

Morton, Paul. Embracing The Next Dimension. New York, NY: Light, 2008.

8. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Sanctuary. By John Thompson
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #462

(b) Give Me a Clean Heart. By Margaret Douroux
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #461
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #279

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #361

African American Heritage Hymnal. #531
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #206

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #324

9. Sermonic Selection
(a) When the Saints Go to Worship. By Donald Lawrence
Location:

The Best of Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers. Restoring the Years. Hollywood, CA: Chordant/EMI, 2003.

(b) Special Gift. By Walter Hawkins
Location:

Love Alive: 25th Anniversary Reunion, Vol. 1-2. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2007.

Glenn Burleigh Music
Phone: 405-232-7477
Online location: www.glenmusik.com

10. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) People Need the Lord. By Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh
Location:

Williams, Kelli. Kelli Williams. New York, NY: Word Entertainment, 1995.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #470

(b) Lord I Want to Be a Christian. Negro Spiritual. Adapt. by John Work, Jr.
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #463
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #606

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #119

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #156

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #277

Winans, CeCe. Alone in His Presence. Brentwood, TN: Sparrow, 1995.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #396

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #490

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #235

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #198

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #319

11. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) As You Go, Tell the World. By Valeria Foster
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #633

(b) The Lord Bless You/Sevenfold Amen. By Peter Lutkin
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #636

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #556
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #525

African American Heritage Hymnal. #650
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #15

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #306

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #18

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #52

(d) Go Tell It on the Mountains. Negro Spiritual. Adapt. by John Work, Jr.
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #202
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #101

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #22

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #92

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #215