The table was set with...
Illustration
The table was set with a large bow a pitcher filled with water, and a towel. Nothing unusual, baptisms are a part of our Christian tradition. It is less common in my church to baptize adults, but not so unusual. But this day was different; the bulletin read "possible baptism." For the pastoral staff had to confess we had our doubts.
Although he was a young man facing the many problems of living without a job, or a place to call home, he came often seeking refuge, comfort, companionship and compassion from the family called the church. Now he had asked to become a member.
The service was ready to begin, the young man slipped into his usual place in the back of the church. It was time, and the young man, labeled street person, reject, unemployed, black by society walked forward.
The water flowed, "In the name of the Father," the water flowed, "In the name of the Son," the water flowed, "In the name of the Holy Spirit," the water flowed over his head and from our eyes. For God had claimed as child the one whom society would not own. The gates of heaven opened, I am sure, and the words echoed "You are my child ... You are my child!"
Although he was a young man facing the many problems of living without a job, or a place to call home, he came often seeking refuge, comfort, companionship and compassion from the family called the church. Now he had asked to become a member.
The service was ready to begin, the young man slipped into his usual place in the back of the church. It was time, and the young man, labeled street person, reject, unemployed, black by society walked forward.
The water flowed, "In the name of the Father," the water flowed, "In the name of the Son," the water flowed, "In the name of the Holy Spirit," the water flowed over his head and from our eyes. For God had claimed as child the one whom society would not own. The gates of heaven opened, I am sure, and the words echoed "You are my child ... You are my child!"
