Respond to the Word
Activities based on Matthew 3.13-17, including A simple worship activity for all ages
Ideas to suit different interests, ages and learning preferences.
Be loved beloved
Distribute copies of the poem ‘Love is…’. John and the onlookers at Jesus’ baptism needed to know how much he was beloved. Invite people to write more verses for the poem.
Picture this
The baptism of Christ was a favourite subject for artists. The plethora of images is an indication of the importance attached to Jesus’ baptism in early Christian communities. Look at a collection of these images, using the links in Further Resources or your own image search, and then invite people to create their own. Offer paints or pastels. Or work together to create a mosaic.
Affirm each other
As church buildings developed and became permanent structures, special circular buildings for baptism, called ‘baptistries’, were sometimes created. The baptismal pool was let into the floor and often large enough for several people to be baptised. The roof was domed and bore a picture of the baptism of Christ, so as the new Christian was let down into the water to be baptised, the image of Christ’s baptism faced them. Gather together in tight circles, perhaps under patio umbrellas or parachutes, and say to one another, around the circle, words like those of the voice that spoke at Jesus’ baptism: ‘God says, “You are my child, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”’
A simple worship activity for all ages
As each group is called they stand up and shout – those who have difficulty in standing can raise hands.
Who does God love? Does he love children? Children: Yes!
Who does God love? Does he love young people? Y.P.: Yes!
Who does God love? Does he love women? Women: Yes!
Who does God love? Does he love men? Men: Yes!
Together: God loves us all. Alleluia! And he wants us to love one another.