January 14, 2026
Epiphany Greetings,
We are in between two baptism stories. Last Sunday Matthew's story of John the Baptist continued from our time in Advent. John after encountering Jesus, was assured by Jesus that his being baptized by John was indeed the righteous thing to do. This coming Sunday we'll hear the baptism from in the gospel of John, Both stories have different trajectories. I thought this was a good time for us to pause and remember our baptism liturgy.
After presenting a child for baptism, the presiding pastor will say,
"Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the grace and love of God, do you desire to have your children baptized into Christ?"
Response: I do.
"Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the grace and love of God, do you desire to have your children baptized into Christ?"
Response: I do.
"As you bring your children to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities:
to live with them among God's faithful people,
bring them to the word of God and the holy supper,
teach them the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place in their hands the holy scriptures,
and nurture them in faith and prayer,
so that your children may learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace.
Do you promise to help your children grow in the Christian faith and life?"
Response: I do.
bring them to the word of God and the holy supper,
teach them the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place in their hands the holy scriptures,
and nurture them in faith and prayer,
so that your children may learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace.
Do you promise to help your children grow in the Christian faith and life?"
Response: I do.
When we grow in our faith, and 'come of age' we affirm our faith. Or, when we transfer our membership to another church, people are invited to once again affirm their baptismal promises. Let's pause to remember some important questions:
The presiding pastor will speak these words, "I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?"
Response: I renounce them.
"Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?"
Response: I renounce them.
"Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?"
Response: I renounce them.
May we take time before Sunday to pause and ponder these words that ground our faith in Christ's church.
Peace and light,
Pastor JJ
