REMEMBER YOUR BAPTISM AND BE GLAD

Sunday, August 15, 2010 was a time of great celebration as we observed "Good Shepherd" Sunday and shared in the Baptism of Matthew Rains. This opportunity to participate in God's grace and favor will be remembered for a long time. We all appreciate Matthew for his calm and patient and kind demeanor, but especially for his love of God and others.


As you read the "Blessing of the Water" portion of the Baptismal liturgy, Remember your Baptism and Be Glad.


The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Eternal Father:
When nothing existed but chaos,
you swept across the dark waters
and brought forth light.
In the days of Noah
you saved those on the ark through water.
After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow.
When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt,
you led them to freedom through the sea.
Their children you brought through the Jordan
to the land which you promised.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Tell of God’s mercy each day.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus,
nurtured in the water of a womb.
He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit.
He called his disciples
to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection
and to make disciples of all nations.
Declare his works to the nations,
his glory among all the people.
Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and those who receive it,
to wash away their sin
and clothe them in righteousness
throughout their lives,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
they may share in his final victory.
All praise to you, Eternal Father,
through your Son Jesus Christ,
who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns for ever. Amen.