We continue our five-week worship series this Sunday with a celebration of Baptism! It is a beautiful gathering in the life of our community. This worship series will invite reflection on the significance of our Baptismal identities. The United Methodist Book of Worship states, “Baptism is an act that looks back with gratitude on what God’s grace has already accomplished, it is here and now an act of God’s grace, and it looks forward to what God’s grace will accomplish in the future….Baptism anticipates a lifetime of…deeper experiences of God, acts of Christian commitment, and ministries in the world” (81-82).
Outline of How Deep?
October 6: Rooted in Grace. How Deep? (2 Timothy 1.1-14)
October 13: Growing in Faith. How Deep? (Luke 21:1-4)
October 20: Reaching in Love. How Deep? (Luke 12:13-21)
October 27: Baptism. How Deep? (Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22)
November 3: Deep Commitments. How Deep? (Luke 3:21-4:21)
Read the story of Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) .
The Sacrament of Baptism opens with a pastor stating, Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.
We become “Members” of the church through Baptism. This is often confusing for people. Membership is not a biblical concept. Baptism and initiation into Christ’s body are rooted in Scripture and Tradition. Membership is a modern construct that churches have used for tracking purposes. We have not emphasized membership at The Table at Central UMC over the last few years. Instead, we focus on Baptism and Deep Commitments. We hope people in our community become Baptized and then live out their baptismal identities for the rest of their lives. We hope our Deep Commitment cards help people to rekindle the gift of God.
In response to the Sacrament of Baptism our entire community will respond: With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
How do you hope to live out your own Baptismal covenant in the coming week?
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