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WHAT I MEANT WAS…
P—L—E—A—S—E--, the youth need you and you need the youth. Volunteers are desperately needed to donate a meal for their Sunday night fellowship. You will be guaranteed a blessing. Please call Jane at 456-2148.
“Good grief, why can’t their own mothers and dads do that? We did that when our kids were growing up. We weren’t always asking for help. The young parents these days have just been petted so long by us that they can’t seem to see responsibility for where it really lies. We’ve served our time and it’s time to just not bother with such things. It really is not my responsibility,” Anna commented to herself as she continued to look through the church bulletin that Sunday morning.
“Well, let’s see what the preacher is preaching on this morning—mm---hypocrites—well, well. We’ve certainly got lots of those. Why that’s just exactly what everyone knows lots of people are in this church. I am so glad I’m not one of those. God knows I do my part every time the doors open. I carry meals into for the funerals. I go to the Care Center. I send card to the sick and hurting. I do lots—probably more than my aching arthritic joints think best.”
“Oh, good, finally—a child baptism—how very sweet!! I just love seeing those cute babies. We’ve sure not got enough of those.”
The Sunday morning service soothed Anna’s older soul and the music rang in praise as her heart soared to God. “Oh, Lord, I do love you. Help me to reach out to others and care as you so wonderfully care for me. I thank you for your power and presence and love,” fervently prayed Anna.
Then a young couple with a tiny newborn baby moved to the front in response to the call for the church infant baptism. “The baby’s eyes were even open!!” noted Anna. “This will be a wonderful baptism. It is amazing how often our new preacher has no baby cry or fuss when the baptismal waters are lightly placed on its head.”
..And the service continued. Finally, the congregation was asked to participate in this infant’s baptism. “This was the real reason for the baptism,” thought Anna—
“And now do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
Put your whole trust in his his grace,
And promise to serve him as your Lord,
In union with the Church which Christ has opened
To people of all ages, nations, and races?
“I do,” Anna repeated in unison with the rest of the congregation.
“Will you nuture Debbie
In Christ’s holy church,
That by your teaching and example Anna may be guided
To accept God’s grace for herself,
To profess her faith openly,
And to lead a Christian life?”
“I… “, then Anna’s voice faltered, then she tried again, “I…” and it broke up again. “Why can’t I simply say, ‘I will’?”
And God interrupted her with a lightening bolt thought that struck at her very heart, “Anna, do you mean what you say?”
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