“And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” - Mark 1:10-11

Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime event. I’ve celebrated many baptisms in my career. Some were extravaganzas which were followed by elaborate meals at the homes of the parents. Some were very low-key. Several months ago I saw a child I baptized in the early part of this millennia. She’s, as is said, “all growed up.” Of course, most of the baptisms I’ve done happen during the course of a worship service. Despite how much of an extravaganza or simplicity, each one is special.

I once baptized a 22-week old fetus. Little Andres (I later did his memorial service) didn’t come to term. The grief-stricken parents asked if I would come to the hospital to baptize him. While it was a very sad time, I reminded all that were present that he now lived in God’s presence in perfect health. That was a day I’ll not forget. To see God at work through the nurses gathered, and in the lives of the parents, was humbling.

The oldest person I’ve baptized was 63. In a long story short, Carl and Marjorie (they’ve given me permission to tell this story) had divorced a number of years before. Through a misdirected alimony payment, they got back in touch. When Marjorie was transferred to Randolph AFB (she was a civilian employee), the two began attending the church at which I was an associate. One day, while in my office asking me to officiate at their wedding, both of their eyes began to water. Carl told me that recently he’d found out from his mother that he had never been baptized. The day Carl was baptized, there wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel.

I’ve baptized a mother and son. I’ve baptized a number of confirmands. I baptized many infants. Each baptism was significant because it was significant to either the person being baptized, or the parents, in the case of those too young to recite the baptismal vows. As part of these vows, the gathered congregation is asked the following:

“Will you nurture these children (persons) in Christ’s holy church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?”

Baptism is never a solo event. It always is done in the midst of God’s people. And, it is a reminder that each of us, as baptized Christians, have a stake in one another’s lives. This journey of discipleship always is done in and through community. My brothers and sisters, “Remember your baptism and be thankful” (UMH, p. 37). See you on the road.

Grace and peace,

Mike

January 15, 2017