Today at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Woodbine, I baptized this beautiful seven-week-old boy. Maybe you can tell that everyone was happy about that. Little Collin did not have any say-so in the matter, but his parents and other adults present took some very serious vows.
On Collin's behalf and on behalf of themselves, they renounced Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God. They renounced the evil powers of this world that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God. They renounced all sinful desires that draw us from the love of God. Then they turned to Jesus Christ and accepted him as their Savior, put their whole trust in his grace and love, and promised to follow and obey him as their Lord. Further, they promised to be responsible for seeing that Collin will be brought up in the Christian faith and life.
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. This is the most serious step in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is fully expected of Collin that at an appropriate time in the future, he will make a mature profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the responsibilities of his Baptism.
We all said to Collin, "We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood."
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
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