Baptismal Promises

Dear Fellow Followers of the Way,

I love rain. I particularly love to splash in puddles. One evening while in seminary, one of my friends and I went out and played in the puddles after we were finished with class for the day. Fellow students and some professors looked at us rather quizzically as we were absorbed in splashing each other. At one point in our puddle-stomping fun my friend yelled, “Remember your baptism!” This yell was followed by a wave of water that was kicked my way.

A few weeks ago we joined together for the Easter Vigil, we celebrated a remembrance of baptism during the service. It is a time to remember that we have gone under the waters and have been buried with Christ and to remember that we have been raised to new life in Christ as well. As we celebrate and remember our own baptism let us also remember the promises that we have made as others have been baptized as well.

All of the children and youth who have been baptized have been given the promise that people would nurture them, teach them, and be the body of Christ to them. This Sunday, the youth will lead us in worship and we can celebrate with them the nurture and care they have received to this point in their journey of faith. In the coming weeks the Session will hear statements of faith from the confirmands, and we will welcome them as new members of Westminster.

Many of you have contributed to the spiritual lives of these young people. Know that as a family of faith, what we say and do impacts our children. I encourage everyone to find ways to nurture the children and youth of the church. Teach Sunday school, help with youth group, sing with the children, offer your gifts and talents in other ways with them, and even something as simple as greeting them and welcoming them when you see them. One of the great joys of being a part of a family of faith is to witness milestones and celebrate them together. How can you follow through on promises you have made at the baptism of our children and youth in the coming days and weeks as we celebrate with them?

Grace, mercy and peace,
Karen