RENEWING GOD’S HOUSE THROUGH LEARNING AND GROWING:  Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Last week in October I had the wonderful opportunity to bear witness to the very beginning of a fellow Christian’s journey with Christ.  Not only was I able to witness this re-birth, but I have a tremendous responsibility now. You see, the event was the baptism of my 4-month old niece Myla, and I am her Godfather.  And as her Godfather, I am responsible to help encourage her in her Christian Faith.

Myla was baptized in the church that I grew up in, but not in the same baptismal font that I was baptized in nearly 40 years ago.  The old baptismal font was a beautiful white marble piece that must have weighed 500 pounds, and at some point, it was replaced by a more modern looking wood and metal font that I believe was hand made by a member of the congregation.  As I admired the fine craftsmanship of the pedestal, I found myself wondering how many hundreds, or even thousands of Christians had started their faith journeys in that old white marble font, and how many countless more this new one would initiate.  

Imagine how many Christians have been baptized within the Salem congregation over the last 135 years!  The Salem community has grown and evolved through 3 different churches, 21 different pastors, and probably even a couple of baptismal fonts.  The people and places may change, but the church’s mission is clear in the bible verse from Matthew: Go make disciples, baptize them, and teach them the ways of Christ!

Lord, as Salem embarks on this exciting capital appeal, please help us in our mission to Grow People in Christ…to Love and Serve.  Amen.