This Sunday we will be celebrating the Baptism of the Lord. This Sunday is a day to remember our baptism and to honor the baptism of our Savior.
During the service, we will reaffirm our baptismal vows, and you will be invited to come forward to take a small stone from a baptismal bowl as a tangible reminder of your baptism. If you would like to be baptized this Sunday, please reach out to me and let me know. In the United Methodist Church, we are only baptized once.
According to Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards (Director of Worship Services for the Discipleship Ministries of the UMC):
“It would be better if our ritual had translated this as ‘remember that you are baptized and be thankful.’ While not everyone can remember the occasion of their baptism, we can all remember that we are baptized and be thankful for that.”
He also said:
“United Methodism teaches that baptism initiates people into the faith community and into a covenant relationship with God and God’s people. Reaffirming their vows enables Christians to renew their commitment to discipleship—with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
While people fail in their attempts to live as faithful disciples, “God has done God’s work in the covenant,” he explained. Thus, The United Methodist Church does not rebaptize. The reaffirmation ritual is appropriate for those who have been baptized and wish to recommit themselves to Christ.
Come with a heart that is open and ready to be reminded of the power of God working through our holy baptism. Come with minds open to hear what the Holy Spirit is revealing to you today and all days. Come with a soul that is thankful for the gift of God’s unfailing love for you.
Peace,
Pastor Amber
