Baptism

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give
thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: While baptism represents many things, for some Christians it is first and foremost a
reminder that we are God’s beloved. The Gospel gives us a dramatic glimpse of the inauguration of this new kingdom that Jesus will work to reveal through his teachings and miracles.

The river Jordan is a sacred geographical marker full of rich motifs. This is the same place, notfar from Jericho, where the Israelites cross when they enter the land of Canaan and experience God’s presence. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the river, the waters of the Jordan are cut off and the Israelites can cross it on dry ground. At the Jordan, Jesus is a new Joshua who will begin his prophetic ministry to Israel and to the world, leading them to the promised land. Later, the prophet Elijah crosses the Jordan on dry ground with Elisha, just before he is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Elisha then returns to Israel in the same way, crossing the Jordan on dry ground to inaugurate his own prophetic ministry. Likewise, Jesus begins his work anointed and ordained, given legitimacy by God’s own voice.(Mehee Kim-Kort, Sojourners. Adapted)

Sentences on the Subject: Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by
John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?” Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed. So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matt.3)
In baptism, new Christians become part of a body of fellow believers who are called to
spiritually encourage one another and hold one another responsible for consistent Christian
living. -Tony Compolo

The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a Christians are joined with Christ, each other, and members of the church in every time and place. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God’s people always. UCC Book of Worship

Sprinkle or dunk? Standing water or moving? Infant or adult? One baptism or re-baptize?
Christening or Baptism? Remission of sin (sinner before/resurrected and saved after) or symbolic gesture? Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit? Like so many things that start out as spiritual bur then are absorbed into the religion, baptism is the source of debate and even conflict among true believers. (RGE)

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read
over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to
share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. John is not sure that he is the person that should be baptizing Jesus. In fact, he sees it the other way around. Is there a time when you have been called upon to do something
“above your pay grade”?

Probe 2 Across Christendom, baptism is a really big deal. Although it varies in form (some
require moving water, some sprinkle, some dunk, some baptize infants, others adults) and
function (some believe it is a way to affirm repentance and a doorway to the salvation
offered by Christ, others it confers the grace of the Holy Spirit and a doorway into the
covenant people of the church (like circumcision to the Jews). Is baptism a really big deal
in the UCC (or specifically, at Immanuel). Might confirmation not be a bigger deal?

Probe 3. During baptism the congregation promises, in the words of Tony Campolo, to
“encourage one another and hold one another responsible for consistent Christian living”. How do we do this at IUCC? How might we do it better?

Probe 4. At baptism the parents are asked to “name this child” The pastor then responds, “You are a beloved child of God.” Do you know why your (or another in your family) name was chosen?

Take Away. You are a beloved child of God who knows you by name.

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and
your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need.
Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.