Baptism is a sacrament—an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. Through it, God grants us new life—a “new creation”—in the power of God’s Spirit. Our baptismal covenants give us a kind of roadmap for following the way of Jesus—a way we cannot accomplish ourselves, but that God empowers us to follow. This way includes the full range of human experience, including wondering, discernment, questions, doubt, faith, joy, and struggle. Above all, the way of Jesus initiated at baptism is about learning to trust the love of God, who is always at work to reconcile us to God, ourselves, others, and God’s good creation.
Baptism is a public liturgy because Christianity is a public faith. God calls us to live out our faith in community, and especially with people we might not meet otherwise, people who have something to teach us about God's love and life. During each baptism all who have been baptized will have the opportunity to reaffirm their baptismal vows. Since many Episcopalians are baptized as babies, Baptism is an opportunity to revisit and own our Christian faith, as adults.
If you are experiencing a renewed interest in and excitement about your faith, Baptism is an opportunity to reaffirm the "good work" the Holy Spirit "has begun in you." If you wish to reaffirm your faith, or are interested in or have questions about baptism, confirmation, or the way of Jesus, please talk to Blair Pogue.
