Howard Thurman, influential African American preacher, theologian and civil rights leader of the last century, tells a great story about his baptism. When he was twelve, he presented himself to the deacons of his church as a candidate for baptism. The deacons did not think he was “Christian” enough and sent him away until he could convince them otherwise. When Howard told this story to his grandmother, she took his hand and led him back down to the church and to those deacons, to have a very direct conversation. She informed the deacons that twelve-year-old Howard had been a Christian long before coming to see them, and that they were going to accept him for baptism and church membership “right away”. She was apparently quite persuasive, and the next Sunday, the congregation processed with Howard down to the river where he was baptized. In Howard’s story, we see that baptism is intended to be a compelling witness that, whatever anyone else or even our own discouraged hearts may say, we are indeed children of God, with all that this means.
The Gospel story for Sunday comes from the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark, verses 1-11. In this story, Jesus comes to be baptized by his cousin, John (the Baptist). John is in the “wilderness” calling people to repentance, and if, and only if, they do seek to change their ways, baptizes them. When Jesus presents himself for baptism, John is confused and feels unworthy to do the baptism, and initially refuses. But Jesus, like Howard’s grandmother, is apparently very persuasive, and John agrees. In this story, when the Baptism happens, the “heavens are torn apart,” and the Holy Spirit comes to confirm that Jesus indeed is God’s beloved.
What does this mean for our own baptisms? What do our baptisms mean for us? We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “Being the Baptized: A Little Water Goes a Long Way.” Jim Schaffer will read the Gospel Lesson. We’ll celebrate Holy Communion, and in the same movement also have a Remembrance of Baptism. This ritual invites baptized congregants to have their hands or foreheads touched with water, and also includes the offering of a blessing for anyone who wishes who is not baptized. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong, will lead us musically. We’ll sing, pray and have a time for children. We hope you join us.
If this will be your first time visiting with us, or you have long connections at St. Mark’s, we’ll be delighted to connect with you at 10:30 in the sanctuary. Should you choose to join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30, and click on the Livestream banner.