Prelude — Spiegel im Spiegel
Arvo Pärt (1978) · organ
“Mirror in the Mirror” opens our service in stillness and expectation. This minimalist masterpiece creates sonic space for contemplation — establishing the pre-baptismal state of waiting. Let this music settle you into receptive silence.
Introit — O vis aeternitatis
Hildegard von Bingen (c. 12th century) · organ
“O Power of Eternity” calls us to worship through the voice of a 12th-century mystic. This ancient plainchant announces divine power ordering all things, and prophetically declares: “And so his garments were washed and cleansed by greatest suffering” — connecting baptism directly to Christ’s passion.
Receive this as prophecy waiting for fulfillment.
Hymn of Praise — Come, Be Baptized
HPP #517, all
This hymn asks us to “Come as a child, come to the waters…” As we sing together, we acknowledge our need for cleansing and our readiness to enter the waters.
Anthem — Wade in the Water
African American spiritual · choir, soloist & piano
This marks the service’s pivot point. This African American spiritual assures us that “God’s gonna trouble the water” — capturing both the physical act of baptism and the divine disturbance when heaven breaks into human history. Let this music move you — feel the rhythm, the urgency, the invitation to participate bodily in the baptismal narrative.
Hymn of Reflection — Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
HPP #326, vv. 1, 2, & 4
“Nothing But the Blood” is our congregational response to the scripture readings. Having heard the baptism narrative proclaimed, we sing the theological truth: Jesus’ willingness to enter the baptismal waters inaugurates the ministry that will culminate at Calvary.
Baptism Renewal — Agnus Dei
Samuel Barber (1967) · choir & organ
This setting transforms the baptism renewal into the service’s emotional and spiritual apex. This transcendent meditation on Christ as the Lamb who takes away sin creates space for profound contemplation. Receive this music as prayer — let it wash over you, cleanse you, prepare you for renewed commitment.
Offertory — Nothing But the Blood of Jesus (reprise)
choir & organ
A choir-only reprise during the offering allows the choir to lead us in meditation on God as the source of all blessing.
Closing Hymn — Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
HPP #19, all
This hymn sends us forth as the congregation’s unified voice. We have journeyed from darkness to light, from sinfulness to cleansing, from anticipation to fulfillment. Sing with full voice, with joy, with the confidence of those who have been claimed by baptismal waters.
Postlude — Ode to Joy
Ludwig van Beethoven (1824) · organ
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” concludes our service with triumphant celebration. This universally recognized melody embodies the joy that is our response to baptismal grace — not superficial happiness, but deep, abiding joy rooted in God’s faithfulness.
Let this music propel you into the world as light-bearers!