A Word from the Pastor
Friends,
Small water creeks running below leaves, down the cracks among the rocks captured my imagination on a recent hike. Even in areas that sunlight could barely touch, these tiny water streams nurture the velvety moss blanket covering the rocks. I was stunned by the site of this lush green “carpet”—a tangible sign of life abundant even in hidden places, away from the familiar, well-trodden paths. I was filled with awe and a new awareness that water… living water brings forth, nurtures, and sustains life. The renewal of the earth, of life depends on the gift of water.
These life-giving waters of the forest reminded me of the water of baptism. Especially as my youngest cousin’s little daughter Ágnes was just baptized in Romania two weeks ago… and as we, Westminster Church prepare to celebrate the baptism of one of our young adults, Jack Veney, next Sunday.
The ritual of baptism is one of the main practices that defines the identity of those of us who claim the Reformed/Presbyterian tradition within the larger Christian family. It is one of the two sacraments that points to a reality beyond us, a reality that is bigger than us. Baptism—being sprinkled, drenched, or immersed in earth’s natural water—marks the beginning of our new life in Christ. In baptism, we are claimed by God as God’s new creation. We are cleansed, nurtured, and empowered through God’s Spirit to follow Christ and join in Christ’s ministry.
In the forest, I was reminded anew of the rich symbolism present in baptism. For just as the waters of the creek nourish the vegetation, being a gift that makes life in the woods possible, so God’s grace is God’s gift that makes the new life in Christ, a new beginning possible for each one of us. And as the waters in the forest call forth new growth, so baptism invites our response to God’s grace.
Some people are baptized as infants as their parents claim the promises of Christ for them. Others wait till they can claim those promises themselves. These two forms of witness to God’s gift are one and the same sacrament. Both adult believers and children are included in God’s covenant of love. In baptism, we receive the promise that God’s faithfulness to us is sure, even when human faithfulness to God is not. God’s grace is sufficient. Therefore, our baptism does not have to be repeated.
Baptism is a lifelong journey of faith, not only a momentary event. We grow into this life of discipleship as we care for one another and the signs of God’s presence in the world, which include the water that runs down our foreheads… all of God’s creation, human and non-human alike.
As we look forward with anticipation to celebrating Jack’s baptism next Sunday, October 10, may we remember that God is faithful from generation to generation and is calling forth new growth in our midst even now. May we know that our baptismal promises still hold true and the gifts of the Spirit that we received in and through baptism strengthen and equip us for the challenges of life and ministry.
My prayer for us is that we continue onto the next season of our journey together with open hearts and bold anticipation of the “lush green carpets” that God’s Spirit is calling forth and nurturing in and through us, at Westminster and beyond.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Enikő
