First Presbyterian Church of Warren
  • Home
    • Members
    • Media & Forms
  • Worship
    • Sunday Worship
    • Sermons
    • Music Ministry
    • Funerals
    • Weddings
  • Visit
  • About Us
    • Blog
    • Staff
    • Pastor Julie Delezenne
    • Leaders >
      • Session
      • Deacons
    • Newsletter and Calendar
  • Ministries
    • Inclusion Ministry >
      • News and Resources
      • Upcoming Events
      • Gallery
    • Day Center >
      • Sponsors/Donors
    • Christian Education >
      • Sunday School
      • Adult Faith Formation
    • Computer Education Fund
    • Fellowship and Care
    • Presbyterian Women and Men
  • Contact
    • Prayer Request
    • Contact
    • Rent Our Hall
  • Give

Remember Your Baptism

2/19/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
As Lent begins, we start once more on a journey of reflection and repentance.  The scriptures that lead us into Lent this year are all "watery" ones.  We read about the days after the flood, when God sets a rainbow in the sky to remember God's promise never to destroy the earth again.  We read read about Jesus' baptism, and then his time in the desert before he begins his ministry.  

To reflect on these scriptures, we will start our Lenten journey by remembering our own baptism.  Of, if you haven't been baptized yet, contemplating what that sacrament means.  On February 26, the first Sunday of Lent, we will participate in a ritual in worship to remember the waters of baptism.  We never "re-baptize," but we do need times to remember our part of the baptismal covenant in which we promise to follow Jesus Christ.  During worship, everyone will be invited to come plunge their hands into the baptismal font, remembering that we die to sin as our hands go down into the water, and that we are raised with Christ as our hands come out of the bowl.  Elders will then serve us by drying our hands.  

Today, we reflected briefly on the many candles we use in worship, one of which is a baptismal candle.  We ask all those children and adults who have been baptized in the church to light that candle each year on the anniversary of their baptism.  That simple act reminds us that Christ is the center of our lives and His light goes with us wherever life takes us.  After the worship service, a man came up to speak with me.  Glen is in his eighties and I baptized him in January of 2011.  He said, "I wanted  you to know that I lit my baptismal candle this year on January 9.  I remembered my baptism."  I was amazed and so thankful that people of all ages value that action and take seriously the meaning of baptism throughout our lives.

Baptism also sets us on the journey of discipleship.  It is the beginning of the journey and God's act toward us that allows us to strengthen our faith and our discipleship.  After we remember our baptisms, everyone at First Presbyterian Church will be encouraged to take on a spiritual practice during Lent.  Instead of giving up chocolate or potato chips, try adding one small thing to your daily life that will shape your faith, and may even transform it.  Materials will be available at the church to help you pick the right spiritual practice for you.  Choose a daily devotional guide, read the daily Lectionary scriptures, do an online devotional at www.d365.org, save change each day for the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering or make a commitment to pray each time you or your family sit down for a meal.   

Pastor Emma

2 Comments
Pastor John Wagner link
6/11/2020 03:33:22 am

Individuals should know the meaning of Baptism and should remember it before questioning Jesus.

Reply
Peter Maxwell
9/18/2022 11:30:32 pm

I still remember my baptism service over at https://lhhouston.church/ministries/baptism/. It was one of my happiest memories in my life where I felt that God was really in presence of my life. Thanks to Him, I have put my life back on track! I also want to thank the members of our church for supporting me in my Journey of faith!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    February 2022
    June 2020
    February 2019
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2016
    January 2016
    September 2015
    August 2014
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    September 2011

    Categories

    All
    Education
    Facility Enhancement
    Lent
    Men
    Mission
    Pastor
    Presbyterian Women
    Recipes
    Thanksgiving
    Worship

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
    • Members
    • Media & Forms
  • Worship
    • Sunday Worship
    • Sermons
    • Music Ministry
    • Funerals
    • Weddings
  • Visit
  • About Us
    • Blog
    • Staff
    • Pastor Julie Delezenne
    • Leaders >
      • Session
      • Deacons
    • Newsletter and Calendar
  • Ministries
    • Inclusion Ministry >
      • News and Resources
      • Upcoming Events
      • Gallery
    • Day Center >
      • Sponsors/Donors
    • Christian Education >
      • Sunday School
      • Adult Faith Formation
    • Computer Education Fund
    • Fellowship and Care
    • Presbyterian Women and Men
  • Contact
    • Prayer Request
    • Contact
    • Rent Our Hall
  • Give