Child of God, You Are

SLIDES can be found at this link

Previously titled You are baptized, what did you expect?

Luke 3:15-22, Commerce Pres, Commerce GA. Jan 10, 2016

[Much of the ideas and outline for this sermon came from Joanna Adams sermon broadcast Jan 10, 2010 on day1.org entitled "God Believes in You". She retired Jan 10, 2010 after faithful parish ministry.]

A few years ago, dear friends, Jeff and Renee, came from out of town for a visit with their energetic and wonderfully curious four-year old twin girls. One of our stops--A children's Museum--fun with face paint, bubbles, magnets, insects... we had a blast!

While we were admiring giant Costa Rican cockroaches…Jeff asked me:

"Hey Topple (that's what my old friends would call me), Renee and I were wondering if you would baptize our kids tomorrow at church?"

He caught me off guard. “What?”

Participating in people's baptisms are some of the most sacred and treasured moments I have as a minister. What an honor and a privilege!

But, tomorrow? I...I...I need session approval? What will your connection be with the church when you go home?  What about your home congregation?

All of these things came to my mind.…

but, all I wanted to do was say: YES!

Let’s baptize them, let’s claim their inheritance as beloved children of God! I’ll do it!

The next day, Sunday, we didn’t baptize my friends’ girls....

Looking back on it, maybe we should have captured that spontaneity.  

Looking at John’s practice of baptism out in the wilderness...it doesn’t look like he was overly concerned with church order.

There was just a line of people coming to claim their inheritance...

You sins are forgiven! Next!

You are reconciled with God! Next!

You are made clean again. Next!

Slide: variety of baptisms

The way baptisms are done in many churches these days is a curious thing.

Some churches, upon session approval, baptize tiny tiny infants using all kinds of words and proclaimations....  

Others in the middle of worship might have altar calls, and invite anyone who responds to the call to be baptized in a large pool--even if they been baptized many times before!

And the practice of going down to the river to pray--Yes we’ll gather at the river...the beautiful the beautiful river--hopefully not too polluted river!  

River baptisms are some of my favorites, really.  

I Want Water - A baptismal vignette by Jan Chesnut

We were celebrating Pentecost Sunday at our small, multicultural Presbyterian Church. It was a beautiful northern New Mexico day with a brilliant, cerulean sky and no gusting wind for a change.

There was much excitement in the sanctuary, a feeling of celebration on this holy day of Pentecost marking the birthday of the Christian Church. The congregation came dressed in red, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit. A special event was also due to take place—a young mother joining the church and her three year old daughter being baptized. The first part of the service went seamlessly with Gina, the mother, being received into the church fellowship with Emma, her daughter, arrayed in a festive, white dress, standing quietly by her mother.

Now it was Emma’s turn to be baptized by Chester Topple, the pastor. As Chester turned to Emma she quickly ran down the center aisle crying, “No, no, no.” She was racing about the sanctuary as if swept along by the wind. The congregation was amazed by her reaction while Chester and Gina helplessly looked on, wondering what on earth to do next. Emma’s father Mark and her brother Forest stood nearby also clearly perplexed by Emma’s behavior.

Emma continued to circle the sanctuary, even heading up the steps to the chancel. After dashing to the back of the church, she paused for a moment and in a loud voice shouted, “I want water! I want water!” Then, suddenly calm, she returned to the front of the sanctuary where Chester and her mother and father were patiently waiting.

Emma and Mark proudly affirmed the baptismal vows asked of the parents. The pastor then took Emma by the hand, dipping his other hand into the baptismal font and baptizing her. A smile appeared on the child’s small, impish face and at that moment it seemed clear that the Holy Spirit itself was present in this little child. This was the Spirit that hovers over each of us, reclaiming us in spite of our insistent, “no, no, no,” until we come to our senses and cry “I want water.”

Indeed, as Jesus said, “The wind blows where it chooses…..So it is with everyone who is born of the spirit.” (Jn. 3:8) l .  

Dive In - Luke 3:15-22

Dive In - Luke 3:15-22 El Grito was what we called him. He was also called Giant standing 6’4’ weighing 250 pounds as a 22 year old. It was while we were on retreat at a beach near Acapulco, MX, while we were all hanging out on Saturday afternoon, that Alejandro asked me to baptize him there, in the ocean. Huh, uh, Seria increible, Grito. Incredible to be sure Apart from the size difference, to add to the challenge - we weren’t in a very popular section of the coast, the ocean where where we were is described as Mar Abierto. Strong under-toe. Wicked unpredictable waves. At about 5 pm that evening, Grito and I, in our bathings suits, waded out into the mar abierto. How deep was I to go? Deep enough to not feel so much of his 250 pounds.. but not too deep to get swept away... I thought we were in a good spot....Alejando, En el Nombre del...yikes, we got swept away... We resurfaced and tried to swim a little closer to the shore... En el nombre...a wave crashes over us, booom!! We both go under, and he is lifting me up, practically carrying me, and we call it a done deal! Last year, on Pentecost Sunday, we baptised Emma Russel. Jan Chesnut wrote about the experience: There was much excitement in the sanctuary, a feeling of celebration on this holy day of Pentecost marking the birthday of the Christian Church. The congregation came dressed in red, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit. The first part of the service went seamlessly with Gina, the mother, being received into the church fellowship with Emma, her four year old daughter, arrayed in a festive, white dress, standing quietly by her mother. Now it was Emma’s turn to be baptized by Chester Topple. As Chester turned to Emma she quickly ran down the center aisle crying, “No, no, no.” She was racing about the sanctuary as if swept along by the wind. The congregation was amazed by her reaction while Chester and Gina helplessly looked on, wondering what on earth to do next. Emma continued to circle the sanctuary, even heading up the steps to the chancel. After dashing to the back of the church once more, she paused for a moment and in a loud voice shouted, “I want water! I want water!” Then, suddenly calm, she returned to the front of the sanctuary where Chester and her mother and father were patiently waiting. Gina and Mark proudly affirmed the baptismal vows asked of the parents. The pastor then took Emma by the hand, dipping his other hand into the baptismal font and baptizing her. A smile appeared on the child’s small, impish face and at that moment it seemed clear that the Holy Spirit itself was present in this little child. This was the Spirit that hovers over each of us, reclaiming us in spite of our insistent, “no, no, no,” until we come to our senses and cry “I want water.” A few years ago, many of us travelled out to the Pecos River - to Bob and Kathy Barnes place, there we baptized Rachelle in the Pecos. She had denied opportunities to be baptized as a child. She felt it wasn’t for her - whatever it meant to her.... But, In her mid-twenties, soon to be married to Allan, she wanted to claim her Christian identity; she felt led by the Spirit. She was ready. We were hoping for warm weather; spring in Northern New Mexico...anything was possible. It was a cold...overcast day. After her affirmations of faith After We covenanted with her to journey along with her in her faith. We were already shivering. The short trek to the water seemed long. Bob Barnes and I were on either side of Rachelle, and we cautiously stepped in. Rachelle and I were both jealous of Bobb wearing his rubber over-alls he uses for fishing. The group was gathered above us, standing on the bridge...flashes from cameras went off. WE held her: We baptise you in the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. She went down completely submerged-- Eyes closed, her face was still, and seemed to turn bluish white. her hair flowed upstream like silk-- There was silence-- time seemed to have stopped while the water passed over her. Complete trust. Complete surrender. And in a flash we pulled her up and she gasped for air, and let out a yelp, and we both ran for towels! I’m pretty sure I beat her to the towels. I wrote Rachelle Guzman to tell her I was thinking of her and her baptism. She wrote back: “I think of my baptism a lot. It truly was the most incredible experience....” On that Jordan river years ago, lines were formed of people getting baptized by John. Jesus stood in line waiting his turn. We don’t know why he felt compelled to participate in this an ancient act of repentance. Because everyone else was doing it? To get wet? Cold? Feel the waters pass over? Depends on our orthodoxy, I guess. The gospel writers don’t tell us..and it seems they were confused about why he did it. Matthew and Mark have John in this awkward position of arguing with Jesus about baptising him. Luke has John there baptizing people, but then suddenly, John is arrested by Herod and disappears from the scene, and it seems as if jesus baptizes himself, or some unknown person does it. The evangelist John doesn’t even mention Jesus being baptized... Jesus didn’t need to be cleansed of sin, right?! Among the many things Baptism symbolizes, - cleansing, - Dying and resurrection, - old life becoming new It has powerfully come to mean to me, surrender, surrender of the one baptized, and surrender of all those who witness to event. And Jesus, even as God’s son, models surrender for us. I don’t have to be in control I’m am not seeking power. When we surrender, we engage the process of becoming--not perfect-- but holy, bearing fruits of the Holy Spirit: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Baptism When we surrender we show our intentions - not to be right - but to be righteous, seeking relationships of wholeness, forgiveness, and reconciliation, always. Baptism In surrender, we may live a life - not to be served - but to serve... Baptism WHen we surrender, symbolized so powerfully in baptism--be it the sprinkling of an infant or in raging ocean waters -- we can enter into a deep intimacy with God...because it is then that we may hear God’s voice: You are my beloved Child. I am so pleased with you. You are my beloved Child, I am so pleased with you. Know that in life and in death, nothing can separate us from God’s love. The power of diving into the Promise of Baptism. As a community that seeks to live into it’s baptismal calling of surrender through serving others, we are taking the time to recognize all the many ways people are committing themselves to serve in this community this upcoming year, so long as God calls us to life together. Jobs for Jesus, modeled after monastic community, in which all those who are part of the community take on a responsibility in order to serve the needs of the community. We serve one another not to please the pastor, or anyone else, but to please God. We serve one another because it is what Jesus the master asks of us. Some of these tasks may seem trivial, or a waste of time.... but the spiritual task is to find meaning and joy even in the trivial times we “waste” away... I believe the elders are planning on taking any job that has not been claimed or recruiting people to those jobs, or deciding if it is necessary at this time in the life of the community There are probably some jobs that are being done that aren’t identified. There will probably be some tasks that emerge over the course of the year. There will be people who come who will want to get plugged in. There will be people who go, and their position will need to be filled. We enter into this as a community of faith! Trusting in God. These are the jobs not yet claimed, if you want one, Take it! Even if you’re not sure what it is, I can help sort it out later :) Yet to be claimed/identified: open/close church before/after worship: Cindy Piatt and Dick Fallis; Steve Brugger Deacon: Service Project coordinator: Stage Manager: Okay, now let’s recognize one another and commit to one another. When I call a name, let us acknowledge that person, and if you are here, please come forward as you are able, Dip your hand in the baptismal font, claiming your baptism I will ask you: Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Alabad - Liz and Margaret Communion Prep-table set up, storage: Michael Brinegar Communion Bread Baker: John Burnett Home Communion Coordinator: Jan Chesnut (after April) Ushers/greeters: Micah Frisch, Libby Naranjo Taize coordinators: Keri Brinegar, Jan Gough, Bob Chesnut Prayers Of the People: Consuelo Walker (coordinator), Holly Roach, Isabel Chavez, Maya Chavez, Kevin Hart, Richard Fallis, Richard Avery, Cindy Piatt, Trasie Topple, Paul Fisher, Steve Brugger, Choir Singers: If you plan on singing in the choir this year, please come forward Bell Choir Ringers: Donna Ormerod, Barbara Medina, Micah Frisch Liturgists/Scripture Readers: Brinegars, Richard Fallis, Georgia Ortiz, Patrick Kiptum, Cindy Piatt, Louise Singleton Pulpit Supply: Georgia Ortiz, Jan Gough, Bob Chesnut, Jim Roghair, Richard Avery, Dean Lewis, Gaspar Naranjo Musicians: Brinegars, Grace Nadell, Elizabeth Ethelbah, Bill Taylor, Isabel Chavez, Maya Chavez, Holly Roach, Micah Ortega, Pat Slentz (organ) Musician Coordinators: Grace Nadell, Richard Avery Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Christian Ed - Cindy Nursery Manager: Desiree Burnett Nursery Attendant: Yadira Brugger Youth Coordinator: Holly Roach Children's Sunday school - ages 7-11, Trasie; ages 3-6, Julie Walker, Trasie Topple Librarian: Suzanne Drieth Adult Ed: Christian Education Coordinator: Patrick Kiptum (and if you would like to serve with this care group please stand) Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Mission - Dick Fallis Peacemaking Leader: Phoebe Girard Quilts For Traumatized Children: Donna Ormerod Food Pantry Manager: Grace Nadell Missio Dei: Seamus Malin, David Anderson (and if you would like to serve with this care group please stand) Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Congregational life - Georgia Ortiz Pastoral Care: Bob Chesnut, Georgia Ortiz, Chester Topple Home, Hospital, Nursing Home Visitation: Sherl Rehn, Erik, Mason, Keri Brinegar, Barbara Medina Vecinos Coordinators: Rachel Johnson, Trasie Topple Prayer Chain Organizers: Lois Morton, Libby Naranjo Farolito Editors: Margaret Sandoval, Jennifer Frisch Webmasters: Holly Roach, Cipriana Jurado Facebook Page managers/ promoters: Holly Roach, Cipriana Jurado, Jennifer Frisch, Hospitality Team: Bill Stark (consultant), Bob Chesnut, Lois Morton, Gretchen Bush, Nicole Ortega, Sherl Rehn Special Events: Kevin Hart, Margaret Sandoval Prayer Shawls Coordinator: Lois Morton Technical Guru: Bob Horning Liaison to Scouts: Bob Horning Church Photographer: Jennifer Frisch Give-a-day: Gretchen Bush Office Assistance: Gretchen Bush, Margaret Sandoval, Nicole Ortega Wall of History: Milee G-R, Rachel Johnson Parish Associate: Georgia Ortiz Christmas & Special Event Decorations: Young Lee Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Session/ Administration Elders: Steve Brugger, Terry Garcia (elect), Louise Singleton, Dwight Walker, Cindy Piatt, Richard Fallis, Elizabeth Ethelbah, Margaret Sandoval (Emeritus) Clerk of Session: Milee Griego-Rotuno Moderator: Chester Topple Commissioner to Presbytery: Charles Ortiz? Personnel Contracts - Steve Brugger Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Money and Finances - Louise Treasurer: Keri Brinegar Stewardship: Money Care: Counters Coordinator: Suzanne Drieth Money counters: Suzanne Drieth, Steve Brugger, Lois Morton, Margaret Sandoval, Gerzain Chavez, Carol Lujan, Charles Ortiz, Rachel Johnson, Michael Brinegar, Nicole Ortega, Richard Fallis, Bob Marshall, Mary Graham, Diane Ransom, Consuelo Walker. (if you would like to serve with this care group please stand) Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Building and Grounds: Dwight Walker and Steve Brugger Gardener: John Singleton Project Managers: Steve Brugger, Milee G-R, Charles Ortiz, Assistants: Joe Dudziak Kitchen Manager/organizer: Kevin Hart Kitchen Cleaner: Bob Marshall Leroy and Deanna Vigil, custodians Will you commit to taking on these tasks during 2013, so long as God calls us to life together? And to the congregation: will you lovingly support these servants? Staff Support: Helen Newton, office and administration Chester Topple, pastor Georgia Ortiz Each of us who is gathered here, in a formal role/ Jesus Job, or just being present is seeking live into God’s claim on your life. Are we ready to dive in to a new year together! Let us all stand and share this prayer of St Francis... and as we pray together, you may feel a little water splash on you, reminding you of your baptism...and your life of surrender and service. Sprinkle everyone in the room.... Tracy Chapman...I’m Ready. That image to me, captures the essence of baptism more than any other. Complete trust, Complete Surrender Friday morning, Zia woke us all up a little after 4 am with dry heaving. We tried to lie back down -- she was in bed with us by this point-- hoping that was it; but by 4:45 my face was wet with what had once been in her stomach causing her trouble. She was not well. At no point did I resent her, question my love for her, wish she would just go away and stop bothering me. The baptismal calling to community is like that in some ways. We all struggle with varying degrees of health issues - physical, emotional, psychological-- and sometimes these varying conditions of not-well-ness, may result in someone tossing their cookies on you or me - maybe that was it, had we fed Zia any cookies earlier that day? When we take our baptismal convenant with one another, we recongnize many truths about our common life. That we are not perfect, and that no one here is perfect, and taht perfection is really not the goal. Holiness is more the mark, be Holy as your heavenly Father is Holy, is how Jesus put it: Being seems to be a willingness or even beyond that an ability to love unconditionally. In striving to be perfect or always right, we miss the whole point of baptism, which is that God loves us in our imperfection, drawing ever near. If we strive to be perfect and always right, what need then have we for God, except, we of course, can never obtain that goal, and it only takes falling on our faces time and again to realize that something is fundamentally wrong with that objective. Three years ago, many of us travelled out to the Pecos River - where Bob and Kathy Barnes live--and there we baptized Rachelle Guzman. In her mid-twenties, this was a decision she had made...she wanted to claim her Christian identity; she wanted to allow her life to be filled with the Spirit, led by the spirit. She had had an opportunity to be baptised as a child, but didn’t think it was right for her. It was a cold spring day. Overcast, as I recall, most unlucky in New Mexico when you get an overcast day when you plan an outdoor activity. She made her affirmations of faith, putting her trust in God; We covenanted with her - promising to journey along with her in her faith. THen we made the short trek to the water. Bob Barnes on One side, I on the other. WE held her, In the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. She went under, water rushing over her face, eyes closed, Complete trust. Complete surrender. That image to me, captures the essence of baptism more than any other. Complete trust, Complete Surrender A subtle component to the version of the story Luke tells is the little detail about who baptized Jesus. In Matthew and Mark, it is John, clearly. Even though John puts up a bit of a fuss about it in both of them. In Luke, John is there one moment, then there is the brief interlude of John’s confrontation with Herod and Luke reports John’s in prison. Then back on the baptism scene, “when all the people had been baptized and when Jesus had also been baptized.” We can safely assume it’s John that did it, but there is a bit of awkwardness in the way Luke tells the story. This may not seem like a big deal, but really it is. We bible geeks will sometimes talk about Christology. Thoughts, teachings, study about Christ. We describe the varying levels of how people view Jesus in terms of high Christology or low Christology. Like how highly esteem we see jesus, which would lead to a high christology, or how not so high we esteem Jesus, low christology. So, for example, for mark and Matthew who have John baptize Jesus, but make a fuss about John doing it, they have, in this instance, a lower christology. If Jesus is baptised by John, does that make him lower than John? If Jesus is baptized, by the John’s baptism, which was the baptism of repentence, what does that say about jesus, he had no need to repent...right? Some have asked, many may wonder when we are going to baptize our girls. It is customary to baptize infants in most Presbyterian Churches. I have witnessed and performed many infant baptisms in my 37 year affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Why do we baptize infants? We don’t believe that it is an issue of eternity in the Presbyterian Church. That if you are not baptized that means you do not get into heaven...as has been taught in some Christian churches over the centuries. So if you don’t need baptism to be fireproof why baptise at all? When we baptise infants - we affirm the prevenient gift of God’s grace - that is, that before we can utter more than a goo-goo ga ga about God, God loves us; and claims us. And that is what baptism of infants is about. It’s also an opportunity for parents to think about what it means to raise their children in a Christian environment, and an opportunity for a community of faith to commit itself to helping raise children in the faith. This community has made a covenant to love and help raise in the faith every child who has been baptised into the community. And it is a commitment that transends every time and place. Tammy Lopez, whose funeral is coming up on January 19, was baptised in this community some fifty six years ago. Maybe one or two people who are presently here recollect the possibility of being here. yet, our commitment to her and her family was sealed in those baptismal waters. That is what we are called to do, and we claim that calling, by celebrating baptism. Those unforgetable moments...leading us into day by day living with God. I can’t figure out why some days, the keyless key button works, and other other days it doesn’t Why are we more healthy some days and less healthy other days. Why? Why are there so many senseless acts of violence? Why are there so many random acts of kindness? Apart from the raucous John was making out there baptizing...: The heavens opened! The voice boomed: You are my beloved Child. An affirmation that would lead him to become who God had called him to become! Jesus baptism didn’t mean that his life would go back to the way it had been before... It meant that from that moment on, he was going to live a life of loving service. It wasn’t an end - a ticket to heaven - it was a beginning, which would lead him to the cross. Some of us may not have been baptized, but are familiar with the practice... Some of us may remember our baptisms. Some of us may not, which means you were baptized as a baby, like I was, and let me tell you, from experience baptising babies, that is about as unpredictable as it gets: Don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry...water on the head, WHAAAH. I bet most I you who were baptized as babies cried like babies! In either of the scenarios - we are all living in a world unpredictable, a life in which there are few garauntees...the baptism may help us get through it, but more so, its the life that is lived when we claim our baptism...when we claim that we are beloved children of God that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. And then we live into that reality each and every day: through service. Some may wonder why By

A baptismal case study

We've been renting our church building to a fledgling spanish speaking congregation for the past two years.  The relationship has been pretty even keeled, but there have been a few touchy points.  They are respectful within certain cultural limitations; require a little more maintenance than I prefer; and have quite a different theological perspective from us. But generally, good people.

One differing theological perspective relates to our theology and practice of baptism.  They believe people are saved through baptism.  We believe people are saved through grace, and baptism is a sign and seal of that grace.  They immerse candidates, where as we sprinkle.  Our sanctuary does not have a baptistry, so they typically do their baptisms off-sight.

I found it curious last Saturday, when I just happened to be at the church, that they were dropping off  a large trough that typically is used for feeding animals or as a planter (a little more elegant than the picture here).  They were excited to share with me that they had a baptism coming up. Yes, that is a cause for celebration. Also, they were also tired of borrowing another church...

It took me a day or two to put two and two together.  They are going to try to immerse someone at the church! Where?  How much water will that require?  How will they get the water to the trough, or will they fill the trough first outside and carry it into the building?  Are they sure it won't leak?  What will the do with the water afterwards?  Do they expect us to pay for all that water? Won't it splash everywhere?

A bit concerned, I called their pastor, hermano Solano.  "Hola, hermano.  Paz de Cristo. Donde va a haber el bautismo?  En el santuario...pues han pensado en esto esto y esto?

I hated being the "gringo," but I also did not like the idea they had.  Particularly when we, during this lenten season, are emphasizing our relationship with and our stewardship of Creation.

It's easy to see why they would not have shared similar concerns as the ones I and others had.  Water usage.... Spilling on the floor...what are these concerns when compared to the salvation of one's soul.  (A theology I am familiar with, but do not share..reminds me the story of my old college soccer coach who justified a soccer mission trip to Europe that cost tens of thousands of dollars by saying. "If we save one soul, can you put a price tag on that soul? Not very biblically based rationale from my perspective).

At the end of my conversation with Solano, I made it clear that these were "our" concerns. He assured me that we need not worry, they would be careful and offer a donation to the church for the water... Did I have any trees in particular that needed watering? No trees need watering this time of year....

This Sunday after the service.  My favorite member of that church, Hermano Cruz, came by and wanted to make sure everything was okay.  He is the sweetest man; a true saint.  He is responsible for our chickens; he is the reason they are using the building.  He asked where they could put the "baptistry", and answered questions I had.  He, too, assured me everything would be fine. And that they didn't want to cause any problems.

I went out to leave when I saw what they had made for a baptistry.  They had constructed a nice wooden panel shell that would contain the metal trough.  They had build a platform for the trough so that it would be visible, and steps to reach the platform.  They even had a gas heating unit to warm the water (any fire code violation there?)

This was truly a contest of theological perspectives and cultural norms.  In the end, I did not think it was a good idea.  It was with great reluctance that I told hermano Cruz that it would be alright.

As I made my way to my car to go home.  He backed his truck up to the parking space closest to the sanctuary, opened the bed, and began to take some of the many parts off the truck.  He was by himself and there was the large wooden frame and trough yet to be lowered.  I put my bag in my car, and gave him a hand.  

You are baptized, what did you expect?

Luke 3:15-22, Westminster Pres, Santa Fe. Jan 10, 2010

[Much of the ideas and outline for this sermon came from Joanna Adams sermon broadcast Jan 10, 2010 on day1.org entitled "God Believes in You". This is the date of her retirement after an admirable faithful life in ministry.]

Last weekend many of you had a chance to meet my friends, Jeff and Renee, who were in town visiting from Colorado Springs with their energetic and wonderfully curious four-year old twin girls, Lela and Karis. On Saturday, we went to what is becoming one of my favorite places in town: The children's Museum. Fun with face paint, bubbles, giant Costa Rican cockroaches…. It was great. It must have been just after the cockroaches that Jeff approached me: "Hey Topple (that's what my old friends would call me), Renee and I were wondering if you would baptize our kids tomorrow?" I was a little taken aback: What an honor and a privilege! Participating in people's baptisms are some of the most sacred and treasured moments I have as a minister. But, tomorrow? Don't I need session approval for something like that? Doesn't the family need to be part of the congregation? All of these things that come to my mind as a pastor in a church when all I wanted to do is say: YES! I'd love to and what a joy to know that you want them to be baptized, to claim their inheritance as beloved children of God, and that you want me to do it! [Note: Margaret Sandoval, a beloved elderly elder, said to me after the service..."It probably would have been alright for you to baptize those girls." I love her!]

Well, we didn't have a baptism here last Sunday....perhaps the opportunity will come sometime in the future, decently and in order… I certainly suggested as much.

The way baptisms are done in many churches these days is a curious thing. Some churches baptize tiny tiny infants and make all these proclaimations.. Others have a pool in their buildings, as if that really replicates a river baptism: Submersion! I have done several baptisms since I entered the ministry; from infant to a baptism in an ocean where I almost got swept away by the tide!

In this church, with the person to be baptized, we gather around the font, and I say: "Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" During the sacrament, everyone present is invited to:"Remember your own baptism and be grateful." Remember our baptism…? Well, I was just 6 months old...to do this, I had to go to my mother and father to ask for some details... They remembered that Matt Moore lifted me up above his head, and I promptly spit up on his suit. Fortunately that was before the service began.

Our baptism and The Baptism of Jalessa van Doorn

Psalm 29; Ephesians 4; Matthew 28.

Today we celebrate Jaleesa’s birth, Sander and Christel’s adoption of her, and her baptism! This is the first baptism—“the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ,”¹ since I’ve been at this church. And we’re baptizing Jaleesa on the Sunday we observe Christ’s Ascension. Now really, Thursday was Ascension day—the day that we recognize if not celebrate Christ’s ascension into the heavens before the on looking disciples (we all knew that right?). Okay, so while it’s not a big deal for us in the US, Ascension day in Holland (where the van Doorns are from) is a national holiday, actually it’s bigger than Christmas and Easter for them (why?). Everyone—The faithful and not so faithful—gets up early in the morning and hops on bicycles and peddles from church to church for services to commemorate Jesus’ departure

(bike ride for bells May 18). Last year Christel and Sander were “shocked” we didn’t even have services on Ascension day, much less a big bike ride.

Well, how beautiful that on the day of such great significance for our Dutch friends we are fulfilling in part Christ’s command to his disciples just before he ascended: As you go, make disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you (to love). And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age (Mt. 28:19). by baptizing Jaleesa, aka Baby J on this day, Ascension Sunday!

Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist. That’s where it all started in the Christian Church and it’s still a common practice today. Today infants may get sprinkled, and adults may get “dunked”. Even with the variations in practices and interpretations of meaning,

it is important that we remember our baptism: Do we remember our baptism? Well, for those of you who—like me—were baptized as babies, that can be a challenge. I actually was baptized twice (not very Presbyterian?), once as an infant and once when I was 24.

Let me tell about my first baptism; December 21, 1975, a week before I would have been six months old. My parents, sisters, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course members of the church were there. My grandmother, mother and her siblings, as well as my two older sisters had been baptized in the same church before me. I was dressed in a christening gown, originally sewn by nuns in New Orleans for my great grandfather’s family.

It had been worn by my great-grandfather, his siblings, and just about every child of each subsequent generation in the family. The minister who baptized me was the Rev. J. Davidson Philips; my father, both grandfathers, and great-grandfather were elders in that church.

My parents, at my baptism, were concerned not only about me being cared for by the whole church, but also that I would not spittle on the minister’s robe. I am sure that it was a special moment for all in attendance, as all baptisms are. But I don’t remember anything about it.

I can only tell you something about it because my parents told me about it, or because I imagined how it was when I see other infants’ baptisms. But I do know it happened, and in a mysterious way it has deep meaning for me.

Can I ask us to share with each other our baptism stories, briefly? Turn to someone nearby if you’d like and tell of your own baptism story if you’ve been baptized, and if you haven’t been baptized or if you don’t remember your baptism, maybe share your thoughts about baptism.

Now that we have our brains working a bit. Let’s do another fun activity: A catechetical exercise—how fun can you! Questions and answers.

What is baptism?²

Baptism is a symbolic act. Symbols have a whole lot of meaning;

So does baptism. Maybe more than we thought. Here are just a few.

Baptism is with water.

Why are we baptized with water?

Christ was baptized with water; in a river called the Jordan.³ What does water do? Water washes, water cleanses, water is refreshing. When we are baptized, we are washed, we are cleaned, and it is refreshing. Water gives life and it is eternal.⁴ Our baptism gives new life and reassurance of eternal life!

Baptism is acceptance.⁵

What do we accept?

When we are baptized we accept that we are not perfect; we realize our sinfulness.⁶ When we are baptized we accept truth in Christ, and our need for him,⁷ his authority on earth and in heaven,⁸ and his right to be Lord of our life.⁹ Acceptance is the willing receipt of a gift.

When we are baptized we willingly receive God’s free gift of grace.

Baptism is sharing. ¹⁰

What do we share?

We can share in something; like sharing in “a celebration; or a pension plan”. When we are baptized we share in Christ’s death and resurrection; we die to our old selves, and are made alive to God.¹¹ We can share something in common with others: When we are baptized, we are share in common new life in Christ with all baptized.¹²

Baptism is announcement.

What are we announcing?

When we are baptized we announce officially and publicly that we are committing our lives to Christ [as Christ is committed to us]. When we announce something we indicate clearly; like “when we wear a button that proclaims your choice for president.”¹³ In baptism, we show clearly to all who will see our choice for leadership, Jesus Christ—Jesus for President.¹⁴

Baptism is beginning.

What are we beginning?

Our baptism mysteriously represents the beginning of our life in Christ.¹⁵ Our lives are transformed. We imitate Christ who began his work for God’s Kingdom with his own baptism.¹⁶

Baptism is celebration.

What are we celebrating?

A celebration is an observance of a day or event with ceremonies, festivities, rejoicing, like a birthday party, like fiestas. Our baptism is a celebration on earth and in heaven.¹⁷ Celebrations are parties to make something widely known. When we are baptized, it is like we are telling the whole world of our allegiance to Christ, and our community is making widely known their acceptance of us.

Baptism is belonging.

What do we belong to?

In baptism, we belong to God—we are called sons and daughters of God.¹⁸ In baptism we belong to one another—we call one another sisters and brothers and together we make up the body of Christ, each with our unique gifts.¹⁹

I could say a lot more.

The important thing for all of us is to remember our baptism. For those who have been baptized as adults, or may one day be baptized as adults—a very biblical practice—Jesus was baptized as an adult—it will be easier for you to remember than for those who were baptized as a baby just like Jaleesa. We practice adult baptism in the Presbyterian church, but the reason it is common in our church to baptize babies is because it is easier to pick babies up and hold them. (tonio). No, because it shows that God loves us and claims us even before we can say anything other than pppphhhhhhbbbbb. God’s grace is in our life before we even know it.

Also, it is a common practice because in a moment we’re all going to make promises to baby J.

We make these promises any time a child is baptized in this church. It is the only sacramental promise that we make in this church. We will promise to help guide, raise, and nurture Jaleesa and every child or adult baptized in the ways of the Church of Jesus Christ. Almost everyone here will raise their hand and say “I do.” Now do we really mean this? Do we know what this means?

Eric Ytuarte’s story.

A friend of mine from seminary told me one time that “85% of PC(USA) high school students stop going to church when they go off to college and less than 15% ever return.”²⁰ He was in business before he went to seminary and said, losing that many in our churches is terrible business. But this rate of young people leaving the church and never coming back has nothing to do with business, it has everything to do with being faithful. We raise our hands and commit to the spiritual development of the child. Do we really care if the children are raised in the faith and find a home in the church after they turn 18?

Our promise is also about stewardship. What do we do with the children God has given us?

Do we take care of one another? Jaleesa at some point will go back to the Netherlands with her parents (not at the end of this year thank goodness). And we will write her and continue to hear about how she is doing, and in a few years be her friend on facebook. But it will be harder to fulfill our promises to her. Fortunately we know her parents will find a good church with people who will help us to fulfill our promises. But Jaleesa helps to remind us of our commitment to one another…to continue to help guide, raise and nuture each other in the faith, with the love of Christ. May we fulfill our promises. May we remember our baptism.

1 BOO, W-2.3001.
2 Context: children’s sermon at WPC (older kids).
3 Mark 1:9-11 and synoptic parallels.
4 Images discussed in class.
5 All definitions, unless otherwise indicated, are found on www.dictionary.com. Direct quotes are in italics.
6 Rom 3:23.
7 Phil. 4:19.
8 Mt. 28:16-20.
9 Phil. 2:9-11.
10 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Peter 1:4.
11 Romans 6:6-11.
12 Romans 5:18; Eph. 4:17-24; 2 Cor 5:17
13 www.dictionary.com
14 Title of a Shane Claiborne book, 2008.
15 This would especially be important for those who have been baptized as invents or when very young.
16 Mark 1:9-11; and synoptic parallels.
17 Luke 15.
18 1 John 2:29-3:1; Gal. 4:7
19 Galatians 3:27-28.
20 Rodger Nishioka, associate professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary, from John Richardson article, “College Ministries: I’m a big, fat liar,” Presbyterian Outlook, 1/28/08: http://www.pres-outlook.com/tabid/2119/Article/6773/Default.aspx