JANUARY 7, 2021
First Church Family,
I pray this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits. What Samaritan’s Purse did at our hospital is amazing, though it’s concerning that Caldwell and the surrounding counties needed the extra space for COVID patients. Please be cautious and stay safe!
The church year, which began with the first Sunday in Advent in late November, moves quickly through Christmas and Epiphany (this past Sunday.) Immediately, it jumps thirty years to the Baptism of the LORD Sunday (commemorating Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by his cousin John.)
This Sunday in worship, we will remember that event and then participate in a Reaffirmation of Baptism service. That service is a meaningful remembrance of our own baptisms and is especially powerful for people like many in our congregation who were baptized as infants.
Following the sermon, I will lead us through that remembrance. At a specific moment, I will ask you to place your hand in a bowl of water, and then make the sign of the Cross on your forehead as I say: “Remember your baptism and be thankful.”
Please have a bowl of water ready for you and those worshipping with you, so you will be able to participate fully in the virtual experience. Our whole service will be focused on the theme of baptism, and I fully believe God will be powerfully present and bless us through it.
My prayers are with you as we wait expectantly for winter weather in the next few days.
God’s blessings to you and yours,
Pastor Dave