Place a bowl of water, three candles, and matches at the center of your group.
CANDLE 1: (Lights first candle.) I light a light to praise God, who shares divinity with us.
ALL: God is above and beyond us, beneath and behind us.
CANDLE 2: (Lights second candle.) I light a light to praise God, who shares humanity with us.
ALL: God is with us and among us, beside and before us.
CANDLE 3: (Lights third candle.) I light a light to praise God, who gives us life, unsettles and inspires us.
ALL: God is around and within us, here and now.
LEADER: Today we celebrate Jesus’ baptism and the beginning of his mission. He is not alone. He lives in the embrace of the three who live in one love.
ALL: Free us from all that separates us from communion in God.
LEADER: Let us make the Sign of the Cross with water or sprinkle ourselves to remember our baptismal commitment to Jesus’ mission.
Hold the bowl for the person to the right.
LEADER: In Christ we are God’s beloved.
ALL: The Spirit is upon us to bring forth justice. Amen.