Dear Friends,

One of the first things I have been taught whenever studying a language is how to say, "My name is ..." "Nama saya ialah" is how I learned to say this in Malaysia. Being a terrible language student, it's about the only thing I remember how to say in German and Spanish, the other languages I studied.

The Church's naming rite often takes place at Baptism. This week, we hear the story of Jesus' baptism and of his "naming" by God: You are my Son, the Beloved. As I mentioned in my sermon when we observed the Feast of the Holy Name, our names can be filled with meanings that can inspire us or misidentify who we are meant to be.

As part of our Celtic Service this Sunday, after we have renewed our Baptismal Vows, I will invite those present to come forward for a baptismal renewal blessing. At that time, I will ask for your name and you may answer with any name you wish in the moment. You may find that after being in the presence of God in that space, you too may identify as the Beloved. I pray that you always feel that way.

In the Way of Love,

Debbie

This Sunday

Parish Prayer List

Please keep the following in your prayers:

For Nancy and Christine, Reny Sparapani, Gary Young, Amy, Paul, Chuck Brown, Heather and Prescott,, Ariana, Sheridan, Javy, Faith Aroko and Family, Jesse Hurst and Family, Neal and Maureen Joyce, Arthur, Deb Young, Cindy Rhodes, Ron, Gerald Tucker, Allison Mascolo, Melissa Glassman, Max Joyce, Marc Britt,

those battling cancer, especially Faith’s friend and the Princess of Wales, for Mel, Corey MacNeil, Dianne, Michael Towey, Jenny, Loretta and Kris, Priscilla Lemons and Family, Steve, Deb Papps, Derek Fuller and Family, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and their ministries, for Ukraine and Haiti; the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, the Salem Public Schools and for an end to racism, war, anti-Semitism, gun violence and oppression. In thanksgiving, we pray this community of faith, for creation, for the diversity of people, and for all the blessings of this life.