This Sunday (1/12) is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. It always comes toward the beginning of January, when New Year’s resolutions are still fresh in our minds. How appropriate, since Baptism is a sacrament that signifies the new life in Christ! As I often say in worship from the font during the assurance of pardon: “the old life is washed away; the new life has begun” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This Sunday’s service promises to be incredibly rich with meaning, ritual, prayer, and inspiration. As we are still early in the new year, we will mark the occasion by re-dedicating ourselves to Christian discipleship. Worship will include a Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant and anointing with oil. Together, we will declare our renunciation of sin and evil and our desire to follow in the Way of Jesus Christ, in response to God’s claim on our lives and promise to love and care for us even beyond death.
My sermon will focus on one of the most comforting passages in all of Scripture, Isaiah 43:1-7. It is titled Called, Claimed, Redeemed, Loved. In addition to the meaningful act of anointing, we will observe the Lord’s Supper. After worship there will be food, fellowship and a celebration of January birthdays. Finally, we are also collecting over-the-counter medications and other essential supplies this Sunday to take to our mission partners in Cuba next month!
I hope you will join us for this special Sunday in person or on ZOOM/Facebook!
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