Yogi Berra, the legendary baseball Hall of Famer, is famous for the quote “Déjà vu, all over again!” That sort of what this Sunday at Covenant will be like. We had intended to observe Baptism of our Lord Sunday this past Sunday. However, the weather made it impossible for many folks to get to church including some of those wanting to be baptized. So, we’ll try it again this Sunday, January 15th.
This Sunday is also the 88th Anniversary of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday is the official observance (holiday) honoring his legacy to our nation. I love the fact that it has become traditional that we don’t think of the 3rd Monday in January as a Holiday, but rather a day of service. That certainly goes along with observing and renewing our own baptismal vows and what it means or should mean in our own lives.
Baptism, as I talked about last week in the Note from Pastor JR, is not a one-time event signifying that we have arrived. It’s the gateway to “A New Beginning;” A new beginning of recognizing and focusing on God’s call upon our lives. It all starts with obedience to the two great commandments that Jesus gave us, “Loving God; and loving our neighbors as ourselves.” Our baptism or renewal of baptismal vows this Sunday, along with the observance of Dr. King’s – a day of Service on Monday, is a great opportunity to love God by serving others in need through a cause in which you believe.
It, also, is a powerful way to reinforce our goals and dreams that we have for this New Year of 2017. Who knows what possibilities lay ahead for your life and for our church, if we are open to letting the Holy Spirit renew the power of our holy covenant with God symbolized in the waters of baptism.
So, join us for worship this Sunday at Covenant. As Yogi Berra said, “it’s Déjà vu, all over again.” We will be offering the waters of baptism for those who desire it through immersion. We will also be offering the opportunity to renew your baptismal vows through sprinkling. And yes, my sermon title will still be “Baptism: A New Beginning” and the scripture text will still be “Matthew 3: 13-17.”
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