This large group celebration highlights Baptism as an entry point to discipleship It is designed to nurture a sense of identity and lifelong belonging to God's family. Plan to use it at the beginning of your event as an introduction to the theme. Feel free to use it on other occasions, e.g. baptismal class, worship, children or youth ministry events.

	Baptismal Beginnings Celebration Outline (found in printed resource)
	Skit: "Outta the Mouths of Babes" (found in printed resource)
	"Lessons, Songs and Prayers" reproducible sheet
	Baptismal Beginnings Clip Art Sheet (PDF file)

Preparation and Supplies:

	Copies of "Outta the Mouths of Babes" skit
	A baptismal font filled with water
	Clear craft stones
	The "What's Next" design on the Baptismal Beginnings clip art sheet
	Overhead projector and transparencies
	Newsprint or poster board
	Copies of "Lessons, Songs and Prayers" reproducible sheet
	Piano or other form of accompaniment

Make a transparency of "What's Next?" design on the "Baptismal Beginnings Clip Art" sheet. Display it on an overhead projector to highlight the theme in your program area. You might also trace it on newsprint or an old sheet and hang it in a highly visible place.

Scan through the skit and recruit two youth or adults to portray the "babies" in "Outta the Mouths of Babes." Schedule a time to rehearse the skit in the stage area you will use for the actual presentation. Gather the props and accessories necessary to set the stage and provide costumes for the characters.

Gather copies of the Worship and Praise Hymnal (Augsburg Fortress) and become familiar with the song "Step By Step" on page 132. You may wish to display the song on newsprint or poster board with pictures or symbols for young children to follow. Feel free to include any other song with a similar theme.

If you haven't already done this activity in the "Next Step" Stations, place water in the Baptismal font and arrange the clear craft stones in the bottom of the bowl. Plan to invite participants to come to the font following the "Next Step" Litany to dip their fingers in the water and make the sign of the cross on their foreheads them to remind them that no matter how old they grow, no matter where they go or what they choose to say or do, they are members of God's family. Encourage them to take a clear stone with them as a symbol of that promise. (If participants have already done this exercise, you may wish to reference it within the context of this presentation.)