Yesterday we witnessed distressing unrest in our nation’s capital. At the same time, we have been living through a pandemic, and are having a national conversation on racial justice. We are sadly discovering we are not nearly as advanced as we had hoped. In the midst of all of that, there are also more personal human aches: conflict in families, stresses with work and finances, addictions and depression, hunger and poverty. Facing those dilemmas, this week the Church approaches “Baptism of the Lord” Sunday, in which we are to encourage each other to “Remember your baptism.” What can that do to help us respond to challenges so great?
The late Fred Craddock, Disciples of Christ pastor and revered preacher, used to tell of a church he served in East Tennessee that would conduct their baptisms in a nearby lake. After the baptisms, all would form a circle, and the conversation to the newly baptized would go something like: "My name is Earl. If you ever need anybody to chop wood, please ask." "My name is Bernice... if you ever need a ride into town, I'm happy to help." "My name is Beverly and if you ever need somebody to sit with someone who is sick, call me." "My name is Jonathan and if you ever need somebody to watch the kids, they can come to our place. One by one by one. A name and a way to serve. As one member told him, “Folks don’t get no closer this.”
You may not be able to remember the event of your baptism, especially if it occurred when you were an infant. Perhaps you have not been baptized. But we all need to be reminded of the promises of love that we have received. However our baptisms may have occurred, promises of love, blessing and support were made. Promises from God, from the community, and promises by, or on behalf of, the one being surrounded with the love of the community. With all we are facing, it will do us good to remember those promises and blessings. And this Sunday, we will do so.
The sermon Sunday is titled “Getting Our Feet Wet in the Ocean of God’s Connectedness”, arising from Mark 1: 1-11. The biblical passage will be read to us by Dot and David Owen. (David was a pastor at St. Mark’s from 1990-1996). The Sanctuary Musicians will lead us in hymns and special music, and there will be prayers and a children’s moment. And near the end of the service, we will have a “Remembrance of Baptism.” Whether or not you have been baptized, we want this to be a time of blessing and hope. You are invited to have a bowl of water near you as we move through this observance.
Whether you are new to St. Mark’s, or have been a part of the community for years, we look forward to connecting this Sunday. Visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner at 10:30 AM.