July 11, 2012
AND SO IT BEGINS
Michala Denn was baptized this past Sunday evening at camp. I was blessed to witness Michala’s father, Trevor, stand by her side, take her confession, and immerse her by faith into the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The thought that came into my mind as I stood on the shore and watched Michala come up out of the water to walk in newness of life was, “And so it begins.”
Everything for us in life has a beginning. Cosmologists speak of the “big bang” as the beginning of the universe. Our conception and birth mark the beginning points in our existence. We grow up in life encountering many beginnings and first time experiences of which many we will likely not even remember. Think of the delight of an infant at the first experiences of sight, sound, taste and touch. Everything in life for a growing infant is a series of beginnings and first time experiences. We delight to watch a baby smile, squeal, and laugh at their first experiences of life.
Along with all the other Christians gathered at camp this past week, I rejoiced to see Michala begin her journey with God. We all clapped, shouted, “Amen ” and sang, “We love you with the love of the Lord,” as Michala clothed herself for the first time in Jesus Christ. Truly, this was and is a wonderful first time experience to behold. Perhaps baptism is one of the most important and joyous experience we have in life. After all, our Christian walk has to begin somewhere and at some moment in time.
In keeping with the theme up at camp this week of “Writing your story,” baptism serves as a kind of punctuation mark in the story of our lives. Baptism is like a “period” at the end of a sentence. Consider how Jesus told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Being born of water and Spirit Jesus says is being “born again” (John 3:3). Baptism serves as this point of being “born again.” So like a period in a sentence baptism both marks a beginning and end. Periods bring one sentence to an end and mark the beginning of another sentence in the flow of a story. So like a period, baptism brings to an end our story without Christ, and marks the beginning point of our new life story with Jesus Christ.
What story will Michala now write? As she punctuated through baptism the end of her life without Christ, and came up out of the water in newness of life with Christ, I thought to myself, “And so it begins ”
– Terry
Our Neighbor to Neighbor Sunday Nights at Lewis Park continue this Sunday evening, July 15, at 6:00 p.m. We will begin with a few songs and a short devotional. In addition, we will provide free hamburgers and hot dogs to whomever chooses to come. Please come join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and food and invite your neighbors to come join us! *You might want to bring a lawn chair or two.*
Child Protection Policy Meeting -- On August 12th, immediately after morning services, there will be a meeting for all members who work with our children in any capacity, including camp, in the nursery and in children’s worship. Anyone who would like to work with children in the future should also plan to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to review the West Main Child Protection Policy and to update you on some changes in the background check policy. Our children’s safety is of great importance to all of us, so the Elders strongly encourage you to plan to participate in this meeting. If you have any questions please talk with one of the Elders. Thank you all for your continuing work in His service.
PRAYER REQUESTS . . . Eva Loy Knight requests prayers for her sister, Iris, who is having some health problems...For David Mayes as he recovers from surgery for kidney stones...For Dan and Sharen Hargis who have continuing health problems and miss coming to church...Peggy Woods asks prayers for her friend, Shirley Brown, for her strength and energy at age 85...For Shayla Davis and her family as they begin their drive to New Orleans on July 31 to their new home...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
Baptism -- Hunter Thomas was baptized into Christ on the 4th of July! Hunter is the son of Dave & Wyndee. Let’s all be an encouragement to Hunter in his walk with the Lord.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 28-August 3: PUMP
Neighbor to Neighbor Sunday Evenings at Lewis Park at 6:00 p.m. on the following dates:
July 15 & 22 and August 5 & 12
ANOTHER LOOK AT THE 23RD PSALM
The Lord is my Shepherd – That’s Relationship!
I shall not want – That’s Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters – That’s Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul – That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – That's Guidance!
For His Name’s sake – That’s Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death –
That’s Testing!
I will fear no evil – That’s Protection!
For thou art with me – That’s Faithfulness!
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me – That’s Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies –
That’s Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil – That’s Consecration!
My cup runneth over – That’s Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life –
That’s Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord – That’s Security!
Forever – That’s Eternity!
– via Garden Valley Church of Christ
