One of the great stories of Baptism comes from John Buchanan, who was for many years the pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. It was Epiphany Sunday, one of the days that church had designated to perform baptisms. Many small children can feel overwhelmed by the experience of baptism, but one toddler named Christopher looked to be quite at peace with the whole event. He was not fussing or crying, and was easily contented going into the pastor’s arms. He did not flinch when John touched his head with the water, and pronounced the name of the Trinity over him. But, as was John’s practice, immediately after touching the child with water, he said, “Christopher, you are a child of God, and you belong to Jesus Christ forever.” At that moment, the child looked the pastor in the eye and said, clearly and articulately, “Uh-oh.”
Who said children do not understand what we are doing in church? Oh, it’s true there are many “Oh, yes” moments in Baptism, when we are assured that Christ is with us, and that we are held in God’s arms. But there are also “Uh-oh” moments, when the implications of what we have done, collectively and individually, in Baptism, come home to us. We see both the assurance and the challenge of the waters of Baptism.
This Sunday is the First Sunday after Epiphany, and is also called “Baptism of the Lord” Sunday. It is customary on this Sunday to remember the Baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River. This event marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, and comes near the end of the ministry of John the Baptist. John would soon be imprisoned and executed by King Herod who was angered that John had rebuked him for his bad behavior. Truly sacred moments can include “Uh-oh” moments as well.
We’ll talk about this on Sunday in worship. The sermon is titled “What the Water Says”, and arises from Luke 3: 15-22. During the service, we will have a time of remembering our own baptism. The Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will lead us in music. We will have hymns, prayers and a moment for children.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person (masks required. If you are joining online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.