Keeping our young ones safe, in the height of the pandemic, was certainly a main priority. One of the things we truly missed was celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism together, especially with our children. Just months before the world shut down, we baptized a precious young one who fully embraced the moment, splashing in the waters of baptism, and sprinkling all of us near her with the baptismal waters, as well. She reminded us that baptism is as much about community, as it is about the individual.
In the scripture reading this Sunday (based on John 21:1-19), Jesus appears to his disciples on the beach, offshore from where they are fishing. Jesus sees Peter, who once jumped from a boat and swam to Jesus on a shore, not patient enough for the boat to dock. This time Peter rows to the shore and sees Jesus, who he had denied three times. Jesus now asks Peter three times “Do you love me?” Peter, whose heart is heavy, says he does each time. Jesus now tells him “Feed my Lambs”, “Tend my Sheep”, “Feed my Sheep”. Jesus still believes in Peter, and believes in us, to do the same, and be the disciples he needs in the world.
We are blessed, this Sunday, to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism with three of our children. Brianna Murray will share a solo, Et incarnetus est from the Mozart Mass in C minor, accompanied by a Wind Trio and Matthew Wachtman. We will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns led by Sanctuary Singers and accompanied by Matthew Wachtman. The Shackelford family will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled Yes, You are the Disciple I Need, and the World Needs.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream. To join online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner.