Holy Baptism

Photo: Baptizing my great-niece Zoey outdoors near Seattle July 2007 (actually, hugging her after I baptized her)

"It's Friday, and Sunday's coming" as has been pointed out in one of my favorite classic sermons. On Sunday we will be taking a look at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, and will be talking about how the Episcopal Church views baptism. The short answer is that we take Holy Baptism very seriously - so seriously, in fact, that we have "The Baptismal Covenant" and we take baptismal vows. It goes like this:

Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
I will, with God's help.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will, with God's help.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
I will, with God's help.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will, with God's help.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God's help.

The adults in the above photo entered into this covenant on behalf of Zoey, promising also to be responsible for seeing that she is "brought up in the Christian faith and life." They also promised by their "prayers and witness to help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ."

Yes, baptism is serious business.


In peace,
Linda+

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333