Re-Remember Our Baptism

by Rev. Eric Folkerth

Like you, we are all watching the weather for the weekend. We’re aware that Sunday may well be our most challenging weather day. So everybody please stay safe.

That said, let me remind you that this Sunday is “Baptism of the Lord Sunday.”

We will be remembering Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, remembering our own baptisms, and also recognizing both our Church Leadership Board and our new youth pastor.

So….a lot of plans for Sunday. Let’s pray for the best, weather-wise.

Let me say a bit about baptism and how all this stuff fits together this week…

The most common and important “authorizing” event for Christians is “Baptism.” Baptism is actually considered more important than “Ordination” or “Consecration.” Through baptism ALL Christians get their authority to act in the name of Jesus.

In the United Methodist Church, people who are baptized promise to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”

This reminds us that our baptisms are not simply a “personal” event, but they have a societal dimension in terms of who we are called to be and how our ministry affects the world.

And so, on Sunday we will “Remember our Baptisms.” Even though many of us do not remember them.

As with many of you, I was baptized as an infant. I’ve seen the pictures and I have the certificate. But I have no conscious memory of it.

But this is precisely why we use the ironic term “remember” our baptisms. We re-remember the fact that, as Martin Luther once said, “I am baptized too.”

We remember how we are all loved and accepted by God and called to service in Jesus’ name. Although we have different forms of ministry, God welcomes and accepts all our gifts and grace, no matter who we are or what those gifts are.

We’ll have a short litany to recognize our new KPUMC Leadership Board, and also a blessing prayer for Jon Campoverde.

So, weather permitting, please be sure and be with us for this big Sunday.

Speaking of our calling as Christians, the harsh weather means we are activating our work with our sister church, Oak Lawn UMC, and the “Dallas Responds” program.

We are hearing rumors that the City of Dallas may well open Fair Park as a shelter as they did two winters ago. Several of you have now been through the training to work with OLUMC in this program.

We urge you to go to THIS LINK and sign up.

Additionally, Oscar Brown has volunteered to collect coats and blankets. Since school will be closed over the weekend, please drop coats and blankets inside the parking lot doors at KPUMC.

And please do pray for all of those who will suffer greatly on our streets this weekend. We’re grateful to play a small part in making a difference.

See you Sunday.