My very first time leading worship as your pastor was the weekend of All Saints Day in 2014. While I do not recall the names of the beloved saints we remembered in worship that Saturday evening and Sunday morning, I do remember being awed by the river of history and memories I was stepping into. The names on the windows, the hundreds of faces looking out from confirmation photos in the hallway, your faces and intentionally-chosen seats in the sanctuary - all of these pointed to the many, many saints who have heard the word of God in this place over the years, some for a brief time and others for decades.
Since that time, I have buried and remembered in worship many more beloved saints, welcomed others through the waters of baptism, and celebrated confirmations, weddings, first communions, and other milestones. There has been growth in some areas, and decline in others; things done well and poorly; mistakes made and successes celebrated; and, through it all, endless learning.
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| Photo by Ryan Loughlin on Unsplash |
It is fitting, then, that on this my last Sunday leaning worship here as your pastor, we mark the festival of the Baptism of Our Lord. Why? Because it is in the waters of baptism that we have been made saints, and through these waters that we continue to be joined to one another as siblings in Christ. The river of history and memories we stand in extends beyond this one building and congregation, beyond our denomination, beyond our country. In the waters of baptism, we are connected to God’s beloved, the saints of all times and places.
Today’s reading from the prophet Isaiah is one of my very favorites! I love the rich imagery, and the clear, direct reminders of God’s unfailing presence and care. Though it was written for a long-ago people, dispersed and exiled, its promises continue to ring true for us. In baptism, God calls us by name and declares that we are precious, honored, and loved.
It’s worth noting that God’s command “do not fear” is not lived out or made possible by the elimination of anything that would cause us heartache or trouble. As you well know, baptism doesn’t promise us protection from pain, or loss, or disappointment. Instead, baptism promises God’s continued presence with us in the midst of those things.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you.”
There are plenty of rivers and fires that threaten to overwhelm and consume us. We find ourselves wading through grief, pain, and loss; find ourselves surrounded by the threatening fires of disease and discord. We may experience uncertainty and instability in our health, or families, or relationships, or work, not quite sure how we will make it through. How comforting it is, then, to hear that God will not abandon us, that God calls us and claims us as God’s own. How comforting it is to hear that God continues to bring us back when we are far off, and to call for our release from those things that bind us.
On this day that is heavy with emotion, I am so thankful for these promises. I am thankful for each of you, and for the ongoing connection we share through the baptismal waters. I am thankful that God will continue to walk with you and provide for you as this congregation enters a time of unknowns and uncertainty.
It has been an honor to be your pastor for these seven plus years; to have been entrusted with your care, and welcomed into your most difficult and most joyful moments. Thank you for your patience and encouragement and love. Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication to the work of the Gospel.
As our paths diverge and we walk the roads ahead of us, take courage! Do not be afraid! Remember that you are precious in God’s sight, and honored, and loved. Remember God’s promises, poured out over you in baptism - you belong to God, and nothing can separate you from God’s presence and love.
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