Participatory Resurrection

     Last Sunday, as we celebrated the resurrected Christ, we also witnessed 5 of our children and youth enter into baptism. A few weeks prior, we witnessed another of our youth who chose her baptism (or re-birth date) to coincide with her birthday. 

     Ashleigh Lauren Lowe, Megan Anne Gambill, Kennedy Grace Hensley, Alexander Tate Sullivan, Alexis LeEllen Livingood, and Karson Ryan Wayne Hagen made professions of faith and were all baptized recently. Your work in helping to rear these children in faith and your witness of these events make you participants in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

     As the Gospel of John 20:22 tells us about Jesus' appearance after his death and burial, 'He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.'" When he did this, he charged the disciples to go out into the world and continue the work he had done. Matthew also issues a great commission to the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 when he says "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 that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

     We often read these words as words that were only meant for Jesus' disciples, but we are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)! We, by nature of choosing this as our name, take on the charge to share the Good News with others and to make disciples of all nations. Your participation in the faith journeys of these young ones makes you participants in Christ's resurrection! 

     I'd like to end by saying 'well done, good and faithful servant,' but the truth is our work is not finished. These children have only just begun their journey through life. I remind you today that they have been entrusted to you to lead and guide through the ups and downs of life. Remember them in your prayers and always lead them in paths of righteousness by being good and faithful examples yourselves.

     Join me in welcoming these children into the family of faith, and in a promise to lead and guide them throughout all their days.

Blessings,
Tracy