Do you remember your baptism? Were you baptized as an infant? Or was it a decision that you made when you were older? Some church traditions strongly encourage infant baptism, while others require an individual to be old enough to “answer for themselves.” I was baptized as an infant. I was four months old, so I don’t have personal memories of the occasion. I do have a Baptismal Certificate that say I was baptized at Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, California by the Rev. Glenda Hope. As a Pastor I have performed more than fifty baptisms; some of these were for adults, but mostly very young children. Baptism is an important act of faith and symbol of our place within the family of God.
This coming Sunday, we will celebrate “The Baptism of Our Lord.” The first Sunday after Epiphany (Jan. 6), is the date which commemorates Jesus’ own baptism by John in the Jordan river. This Sunday we will also celebrate the Ordination and Installation of our newly elected Elders who will begin their terms of service as members of our church session. This special portion of our worship service, reminds us that “In baptism, we were clothed with Christ” and then through the community of faith we are called into discipleship, ministry and service.
What does your baptism mean to you? Do you celebrate it each year? When you remember the fact that “YOU HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED?” how does it make you feel? As Presbyterian Christians, we believe that no matter what happens in our lives, baptism is an incontrovertible act that can never be taken away from us. If you are reading this and you haven’t been baptized and you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact me (adam@fpcrc.org).
Blessings to you all. May each of us, this day and always, remember our baptisms and be thankful. I hope to see you soon.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam