Renewing Our Covenant with God

It is always good to remember the covenant you have made with God and renew it regularly.
The first Sunday after Epiphany is called "Baptism of the Lord." Each year the gospel lesson is about Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist.

One common practice is to use this Sunday for a "Remembering Your Baptism" service. In our hymnal there are 3 services for baptism plus the 4th which is for this service. During this service we go through all the prayers and questions of the baptism but we don't "put water on anyone." You will have an opportunity to watch to the front of the church an look into a container of water and remember your baptism.

Now, some of you may not have been baptized. That's OK. In such a case you will be invited to "anticipate" the day you will be baptized. This would be appropriate for children who have not been baptized as well as adults who have not yet made that decision.

Those who have been baptized, even if it was in another denomination, you can renew the vows you made when you were baptized.

The sermon will be the second in the series Pastor Arlin and Pastor Larry are preaching. Pastor Arlin started it by looking at "Why wise persons choose to follow Jesus." This week Pastor Larry will look at "Why Did Jesus Want To Be Baptized?" Scripture is Mark 1:4-11. Remember you are better prepared to hear the sermon if you have read this scripture several times during the week.

You might want to read the scripture first through the eyes of John the Baptist.
Then you may want to read it through the eyes of Jesus.
Then you may read it as one of the onlookers.

Bring a friend and let's have a great time of worship.