On Sunday, Mike preached about baptism and what it means for the life and community of our church. This upcoming Sunday is Palm Sunday, and our original plans were to kick off Holy Week with the baptism of those in our Pastors' Class. It was difficult to hear a sermon about baptism, especially when Mike named that the baptisms have been postponed because of the spread of COVID-19. Last year's baptisms stood out as one of the most meaningful moments of my first year here, and I've been looking forward to this Palm Sunday since the first day after Easter last year.

But the sermon also encouraged me; it reminded me that baptism is more than a watery ritual that recognizes an individual's relationship to God. Baptism is a commitment made by the community who baptizes to support, care for, and love the one who is baptized- no matter what. Mike said, "Baptism isn't a private moment in the presence of others; it's a public moment- it's a church moment." Baptism is a sign that we are all washed by God's love and that we are united in community as a church family.

We will celebrate this sacred ritual in person soon. If you have time, I invite you to write a note to our Pastors' Class youth who are sad not to have baptisms this Sunday but are eager to continue learning and growing together through online class over upcoming weeks.    Take a moment, too, to remember what baptism means to you. 

Even though we will not be gathering around the baptistry in the Sanctuary on Sunday, I have seen many other moments that remind me, like baptism, that we are connected as a community in God's hope and love. Life-giving phone conversations, laugh-filled youth group meetings on Zoom, eager donations and support for our mission partners, and the many photos of people joining in worship online on Sunday mornings have all swept over me like baptism waters, washing away fear and isolation and giving me a strong sense of hope and togetherness during this difficult moment for our global society.