Continue, Return. Proclaim. Serve, Strive
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. What does that mean? Could it mean, perhaps, that in baptism we are clothed with a lifelong, head-to-toe suit of forgiveness? Maybe baptism is not a transaction by which forgiveness is given in return for repentance, but rather a proclamation of the fact that we are always forgiven, always welcome home, and that we will never have to do anything to earn forgiveness.
-Robert Farrar Capon
Over the next month we will have several baptisms. There are a few most favored church dates for baptism – including the two celebrations that frame the season of Easter and Pentecost. Have you ever thought much about baptism – besides it being somewhat cute? Baptism is the center of our Christian identity, it is the once for all time public reminder that we are always welcome home in the arms of the Good Shepherd. Eucharist is deeply tied to Baptism, and is a regular renewal of the same intentions that baptism marks one time. As the water rite clearly names baptism is not a cultural thingy, or a family habit, it is an outward sign of an inner grace and a wholehearted commitment to the way of liberation and community that Jesus invites us into. The rite begins with the naming and renunciation of evil in all its forms. Do you think much about the forces that encourage your distance from God and the common good? It asks questions which in public may shake one to the core – do you trust in Christ’s victory which brings forgiveness freedom and life? This is love, baptism begins with God, and the profound and easily dumbed down statement that God is love. As we rejoice in the hope of baptism, how is the Spirit of God encouraging you in your journey? Do the promises ask that you not just tune in but commit with hearts and hands, drenched in the waters, commit to a way of life that is built on forgiveness, service, and love? Come this month and remind your heart and soul of what it means to be a member, a friend, a seeker of Christ through the ministry of Christ Church. All we intend and all that Jesus asks is present in the rite. Come and renew your place in the household of God.
Summer has been a time in which church life shifts into a different gear – and I hope that you will take the time this summer to step up. We are still feeling our way out of the pandemic era where many norms fell to the side (and some may stay there), and lots of things that used to be a community work became a staff work. We know we have entered a strange new phase of our life together, and one of the hardest parts is reequipping friends and members to do the work of the church that the staff alone cannot do. Acolytes and ushers are two areas, which can be done by families or any age adult, are two that come to mind. Sunday hospitality is another. How will you continue to proclaim and serve in the promises of baptism that we renew this month? Jesus loves you and we are excited to see where he is leading us next.