One of my responsibilities this morning was to sign all of the certificates for Trinity’s 10th graders. On Sunday afternoon, 44 of them will affirm the promises made on their behalf, in the waters of baptism.
God made promises to each of these amazing young people as well:
- The promise of eternal life
- The promise of forgiveness of sins
- The promise that God goes with them and knows them by name
- The promise that they are a part of a family of faith, who will love and care for them.
These young people’s parents made promises too: To raise their children in the Christian faith, to bring them to worship, to teach them the prayers, the creed and the commandments, and to show them by word and deed what it is to live and serve, loving God and loving their neighbor.
This weekend, our young people will claim these promises, and will make them their own.
- Yes. I will live a life of faith.
- Yes. I will continue to grow in my depth of belief.
- Yes. I will worship.
- Yes. I will serve and give.
- Yes. I will follow.
- Yes. I will lead.
- And Yes. The promises that God has made to me, will continue to shape my identity.
We are so proud of all of these 10th graders. We know their hearts. And we know that God continues to claim them as God’s own…every single day.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:4-6
The promises of baptism is that God is above, through and within it all. Every aspect of our being. Every part of our lives. God is present. God claims us.
And we are thankful for all of those who have been a part of shaping their faith. For their RE small group leaders, for those who have taught Trinity U. For their mentors. For their Sunday School teachers. For their parents and Godparents. For the Trinity staff: Pastor Dean, Kate, Chris and Sheri, who so ably shape the process.
And as parents of one of the 44, Lori and I are especially grateful this morning for all of your role in the formation of our son.
And so this morning, as I sat at my desk and signed these 44 certificates, I said a quick prayer for each one of these young people. I prayed that what they experienced and learned will continue to shape them. I prayed that God’s Word has deeply taken root in their hearts. I prayed for God’s grace to continue to envelop them. And I prayed that the promises that are affirmed this weekend can guide them throughout their lives.
I invite you to pray with me.
God’s peace,
Pastor Todd
Test Driving Theology 