By Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey
One: The Church of the Brethren came into being when eight people, taking considerable risk, decided to be baptized as a response to the love of God made evident in Jesus. After time spent studying the Bible and praying together, they desired to be born of water and Spirit, to choose the eternal life found in the way of Christ. Still today, Brethren and other followers of Jesus regularly choose to take on both the joy and the responsibility of living Jesus’s teachings, and to do so in a community of other disciples who commit to learning and growing in faith together.
Two: Tonight, you are invited to consider baptism. As you exit, there are bowls of water filled with colorful beads. You are invited to reach your hand into the water, take a bead, and consider baptism. If you have been baptized, reflect on that moment and the commitment you made as a disciple of Christ: what it felt like and how you have continued to grow into a faithful follower of Jesus. If you haven’t yet been baptized, consider whether you are ready to respond to God’s love in Jesus through baptism. If you think you are ready, we encourage you to share this desire with your advisor and the pastor of your congregation so that they can walk alongside you in your Christian pilgrimage.
One: Water is cleansing and life-giving. As you reach into the waters tonight, may you feel the love of God through Jesus Christ that comes into the world and promises life that is truly life. Go in faith and love.