PROYECTO SALVADOREÑO DE TORTUGAS

En El Salvador, se paga a los desempleados para que recolecten y críen huevos de tortugas marinas en peligro crítico de extinción. Una vez que nacen, se lanzan al mar. Necesitan ayuda para reconstruir el área de anidación. Debido a la pandemia, no tienen los recursos para hacer el trabajo. El costo total es de $ 1000 y Ascension ya ha recaudado parte del dinero.

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Aproximadamente cada seis años, es necesario reconstruir toda el área de anidación para que la organización conserve su condición de programa de anidación de tortugas marinas con licencia. Debido a la crisis económica de la pandemia, las empresas salvadoreñas que suelen patrocinarlas no pueden ayudar en este momento. Costará $ 1000 reconstruirlo, y han dicho que si podemos enviar el dinero, pondrán el logo de Ascension en sus carteles y nos permitirán invitar a la liberación de las tortugas.

En nuestra última visita a El Salvador, nuestra delegacion visito el sitio de las tortugas y quedaron impresionados con los esfuerzos para salvar a las tortugas y proporcionar trabajos tan necesarios. Ya hemos recibido algunas donaciones pero nos gustaría completar el esfuerzo tanto como una oportunidad de empleo como para proteger el delicado estado ambiental de las tortugas.

Investing in Our Meru Partnership

The Meru Committee for the Greater Milwaukee Synod compiled this video to share some of the work done within our Sister Synod Relationship. Hear about the Water Project that Ascension funded and the work of Pastor Makenge and members of the Samaria Parish in laying the 9km of water pipes for the elementary school. Click the link to watch the short video. Thanks be to God. Asante sana!

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Harambee means “lifting together.” In a six-part Harambee video series, we will share the three mission priorities of our partners in Tanzania as “a community working together for the common good.” The first priority is training future leaders. The second is supporting their vital medical ministries. The third is providing a bridge for ministries challenged by the COVID economy.

In the Tanzanian culture, pastors serve many roles beyond being spiritual leaders. As part of Ascension-Waukesha’s partnership with Meru, Pastor Nathan Makenge was an active part of digging a 9- km. trench for a community water project that now brings safe water to 3000 people.

Asante sana! Thank you very much!

The GMS Meru Partnership Committee

Salvadoran Turtle Project

In El Salvador unemployed people are paid to collect and nurture critically-endangered sea turtle eggs. Once they are hatched, they are released into the sea. They are in need of help in reconstructing the nesting area. Due to the pandemic, they do not have the resources to do the job. The total cost is $1000 and Ascension has already collected some of the money.

[cro_button no=”Donate Now” col=”2″ addr=”https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Dc8dzPGn4-LCajFevTkh9EpIaYk9_caA0phuvHhvI-58pmI3NOvu-7BXx5b24TDr0aNokpHZ8koXRxm0kV5pW7o7zqy-JU_UuLu19bUbJx2ip4VhqQBSGGwCwrdFtVPw2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouSeO_LoZLYuEME4M3EjTsrI=&ver=3″] (Select El Salvador Ministry)

Approximately every six years, the entire nesting area needs to be rebuilt in order for the organization to retain its status as a licensed sea turtle nesting program. Due to the economic crisis from the pandemic, the Salvadoran businesses that usually sponsor them are not able to help at this time. It will cost $1000 to rebuild it, and they have said if we are able to send the money, they will put Ascension’s logo on their signs and let us invite guests for the turtle release.

On our last visit to El Salvador, our delegates visited the turtle site and were impressed with the efforts to save the turtles and provide much needed jobs. We have already received some donations but we would like to complete the effort both as an employment opportunity but also to protect the delicate environmental status of the turtles.

From “Senior-itis” to “Pandemic-itis”

Over the past few weeks our son who is a high school senior has been showing more and more signs of “senioritis” as his final year draws closer and closer to an end. You know this as that supposed affliction of students in their final year of school and characterized by a sharp decline in motivation and sometimes academic performance. The days seem to drag on as he and many others long for this phase of life to wrap up so they can move on to the next. I am well aware of this phenomenon, after having finished seminary only 10 months earlier; understanding the deep desire to be done with what currently seems to drag on for an eternity.

Now maybe most of you aren’t currently feeling senioritis per se but I have no doubt you have had these moments and completely understand the feeling. The feeling you get on a Friday afternoon at work when your mind is just wandering, and you are most definitely done with the tedious tasks keeping you from moving on to something more enjoyable.

On a global scale, I think it’s safe to assume most people could relate to something similar in what I would call, “pandemic-itis.” Tired of being isolated, of repetitively using hand sanitizer, of wearing masks, of not seeing family and friends, of video conference calls, of not being able to eat at our favorite restaurants, of not worshipping with our whole faith community, of hearing about more and more people who have become sick or died, and so on.

To our son we keep reminding him that things will be better soon, to enjoy what he can, to be patient, to continue learning, to be challenged, motivated, and even inspired by all the opportunities ahead of him. Interestingly, I think we could all apply this advice to our feelings around our own “pandemic-itis.”

As I’ve tried to be supportive, both as a dad and as a pastor, the more I’ve found it necessary to reflect on the words of the angel whom the women encounter at the tomb of Jesus. The angel told them, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

Too often, I think we miss the power of this heavenly messengers’ words, but also the grace and faithfulness of God wrapped in these words of promise. A reminder that Jesus has not abandoned them, but rather is going ahead of them and awaiting their arrival with a promise of his glorious and victorious presence. And it is in these often-overlooked words that a hope filled reassurance of better days to come is gifted to them and to us.

We all long for better days, and in the midst of terrifying, unexpected, uncertain, and challenging circumstances, God has sent not only the ultimate savior in Jesus, but so too a messenger of hope to remind us that we are not alone, that Jesus has triumphantly risen victorious over the power of death, and in doing so, God has fulfilled God’s promises.

These hopeful words of a promise fulfilled come to us from the angel and the Resurrection hope of Jesus carries with it not only the power to sustain us through these days, but it is a promise that is ours to claim into eternity. Dear friends, there are no greater words of hope and promise than these and I invite you to cling to them today and always, ”Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!

 Pastor Tony

(Reprinted from the April 2021 newsletter.)

 

Needing Resurrection

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! (ALMOST)

When you read this newsletter, we will be days away from celebrating the resurrection of our Savior and the promise of eternal life. Everyone seems to be marking the year anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic. For me, the pandemic carried the most power when we realized that we would not be able to gather for worship on Easter last year. Disbelief and fear of the unknown seemed to be the emotions that carried us along in those first months. It amuses me, now, that those same emotions carried the disciples through Palm Sunday processions and a Maundy Thursday supper in an upper room and the betrayal, arrest and crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. And then Easter.

Yet even the news and events of Easter morning carried the same storm of disbelief and fear for the disciples – though there were a brave few who were willing to believe what their Savior had promised before he died – that on the third day he would rise again. Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and Salome had been up early that first Easter, long before sunrise. They made their way to the freshly carved tomb only to find the stone rolled away and angels waiting to greet them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen even as he said.” I imagine those words were spoken with confident proclamation by the angels who had witnessed the event firsthand. I also believe those three women, when they ran to tell the disciples, did not whisper the news of the empty tomb but instead shouted, pleaded, begged, and celebrated when they told the disciples the glorious news. Thanks be to God!

If there has ever been a year where we have needed word of the news of the resurrection to ring in our ears, IT IS THIS YEAR. We have need of the news of the resurrection for the countless number of those who have died from the coronavirus. We have need of the news of the resurrection for those who have died this year when we had little time to tend them in their dying. We have need of the news of the resurrection for those who have suffered loneliness, isolation, and the absence of loved ones. We have need of the news of the resurrection because such news brings us hope to trust that the Word of God has indeed overcome the power of death.

In every corner of the world the power of death brings grief, overwhelms courage, and causes deep and lasting pain. And in every corner of the world, there is hunger for the promise of God’s resurrection hope and joy. Yes! It is this year that each of us and all the world has great need of the news of the resurrection. And so, People of God, hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

See you in church,

Pastor Chris

(Reprinted from the April 2021 newsletter)

Covid-19 Update

Are You Vaccinated? Why You Still Should Exercise Caution

People should be careful if a vaccinated grandparent or other individual is visiting an unvaccinated family, because Grandma could still get or carry the virus in her nasopharynx, even though the vaccine is preventing her from getting physically ill, and then she potentially could pass the virus along to unvaccinated people.

There is not a guide to what it’s safe for vaccinated people to do. When deciding what you can and can’t do, you should think less about your own vaccination status, and more about whether your unvaccinated neighbors, family, grocery clerks, delivery drivers, and friends are still vulnerable to the virus. Continue to exercise caution! Until we have a cap on this pandemic and can be safe for all, please remember to mask and social distance!

County Resources for Those in Need During Covid-19

Our County continues to provide essential services for local seniors and adults with disabilities living in Waukesha County. They are incredibly grateful for current and new volunteers who help people meet their basic needs. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin, they have recruited, screened, trained, and brought onboard 221 new volunteers to help. During this time, they are providing the following services:

  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Grocery shopping for clients and delivery of groceries or food pantry stock boxes
  • Weekly wellness calls
  • New-client assessments over the phone
  • Seasonal yard clean up services

How to Request Help or Volunteer

  • Waukesha County seniors (60 and older) and adults with disabilities (18 to 59) can call (262) 549-3348
  • Sign-up to volunteer by calling (262) 549-3348 to volunteer in Waukesha County.

Brenda Lytle, RN
Director of Care Ministries

April Creation Care Update

Adopt a Drain

We are called to care for the Earth that God created and ensure that the environmental resources we rely on are available and safe for future generations. One way we can do that is to take care of our local waterways! This time of year it’s essential to keep the storm drains in our communities clear of debris as the snow melts and we experience spring showers. It’s a great activity to do as a family – Kids of all ages can be a part of it, and feel good about having a clean community and healthy rivers and waterways nearby! Please consider being a part of this important effort in Waukesha County. Visit Waukesha County’s website to learn more.

Creation Care Ministry

Thank you to all who dropped off old/unused holiday lights in January! We are happy to say that four large delivery boxes and three additional shopping bags of lights were able to be recycled in an environmentally safe way and escaped the fate of the landfill! Contact Lynn Parkhurst or Mary Ellen Comp at with your Creation Care Ministry questions.

Food, Faith and Farming Network

Winter Farmers Markets have been suspended for Spring 2021, leaving many of us even more excited to see what markets will look like this summer. Would you like to get fresh produce from a local farmer throughout the upcoming season? Try a CSA! CSA is short for Community Supported Agriculture, which is a weekly delivery of fresh seasonal produce harvested from a local farm! Here is a flyer that has a list of local Farms and CSA options, should you wish to find a delivery on your own. Questions about CSAs or market vendors? Please contact Lynn Parkhurst.

Habitat for Humanity Waukesha

Their mission is: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Their vision is: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County builds decent, affordable homes for families who are unable to purchase a home through traditional methods. They do not give houses away, based on the belief of giving a hand up, not a handout. By providing a home with an affordable mortgage, homeowners obtain self-sufficiency and overall improved family health and neighborhood pride.

Homeowners spend time and effort into making their dream of homeownership a reality. Sweat Equity is their version of a down payment. Each adult must contribute time volunteering at the ReStore or working on the job site to build their home. Not only does each homeowner gain skills and meet new people in this process but they get the satisfaction of playing a key role in improving their own circumstance. A recent homeowner Noel said, “you take pride in something you personally own” especially when you have built it by hand.

Habitat of Waukesha has made affordable housing a reality for over 30 families in 30 years. In 2015, they tripled the yearly number of homes built from an average of one home per year to three per year. In addition to building homes, they educate the community on affordable housing and how they are a part of supporting the mission. The ReStore is a retail location that collects and sells donated home goods and building materials at a discounted price. Profits from the ReStore are used to fund the builds while community members take advantage of the lower price.

How can you help?

  • Donate to ReStore
  • Volunteer at ReStore
  • Provide hands on help in building or remodeling or help with preparation for the new family
  • Participate in the Women Build coming up in May by joining the build or donating financially

For more information go their website or contact Ascension member Nick Wagner.

 

April Community Partner News

Cross Partnership

As the weather warms up, Cross is planning to move their Food Pantry out to parking lot again. It is expected that the users will increase with the increased visibility outside. Ascension continues to collect donations for Cross so that they can serve those in need in the neighborhood. Donations of food and sturdy bags can be placed in the designated bins in the Donation Center. Cross and the partnership congregations will be looking at any changes or new ministries can be developed as we move away from the limitations of the pandemic and return to more active ministries.

Healing Hearts

Save the date for Celebration of Hope to be held on May 15 at Marriott West from 5:00 to 8:30. With the cancellation of the event in 2020, Healing Hearts hopes to have a good representation from its supporters. The evening will include dinner and a program and a wonderful time. To register, go to their website healingheartsofwaukeshaco.org and select “Support Us.”

 Hope Center

Thank you to all who donated to Hope Center for the To Go Meal program. Donna Savin was able to provide a Thrivent Action Team grant to provide the Hope Center meal program with carryout boxes for the program. At this point, there is no definite plan when they will open the building for in person meals but the participants will continue to get the To Go meals until further notice. Donations of clothing or household goods can be made with prior arrangements. Contact Hope Center if you have something to donate. The Clothing Shop is open but with limited hours for donations and for shopping. Call 262-549-8726 to make arrangements.

Habitat for Humanity Waukesha

Their mission is: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Their vision is: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County builds decent, affordable homes for families who are unable to purchase a home through traditional methods. They do not give houses away, based on the belief of giving a hand up, not a handout. By providing a home with an affordable mortgage, homeowners obtain self-sufficiency and overall improved family health and neighborhood pride.

Homeowners spend time and effort into making their dream of homeownership a reality. Sweat Equity is their version of a down payment. Each adult must contribute time volunteering at the ReStore or working on the job site to build their home. Not only does each homeowner gain skills and meet new people in this process but they get the satisfaction of playing a key role in improving their own circumstance. A recent homeowner Noel said, “you take pride in something you personally own” especially when you have built it by hand.

Habitat of Waukesha has made affordable housing a reality for over 30 families in 30 years. In 2015, they tripled the yearly number of homes built from an average of one home per year to three per year. In addition to building homes, they educate the community on affordable housing and how they are a part of supporting the mission. The ReStore is a retail location that collects and sells donated home goods and building materials at a discounted price. Profits from the ReStore are used to fund the builds while community members take advantage of the lower price.

How can you help? 

  • Donate to ReStore
  • Volunteer at ReStore
  • Provide hands on help in building or remodeling or help with preparation for the new family
  • Participate in the Women Build coming up in May by joining the build or donating financially

For more information go their website or contact our member Nick Wagner.

The Name of Jesus

The republic of Palau is a tiny island closer to Indonesia than the United States. It was a US territory and gained its full sovereignty in 1994. Why the geography lesson, you ask? Well, it turns out when the US Capitol building was overrun by a mostly white mob, that the blue flag with yellow sun of the country of Palau was visible being held up in the midst of the mob. The President of Palau was horrified and took to social media and news outlets to decry the use and presence of the flag in the mob. Taking a page out of the Palauan president’s playbook, I too want to decry the use and presence of a flag in the midst of the mob. Only this flag did not belong to any one country. This flag claimed the name of my Savior. The name of Jesus. I was struck by the flag, saddened that it was present in such a shameful moment for our country – saddened still more for the use of the name of Jesus to seemingly promote anger, hate, destruction, division, and death. Words and actions that are not a part of the Bible I read or the Savior I follow or the actions I offer to the glory of God.

I decided I needed a refresher on what the name of Jesus actually stands for and offers to the world. This is what I found. In Matthew, Chapter 1: “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” From Philippians, Chapter 2: “Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” In John, Chapter 14: “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” In the book of Proverbs, Chapter 18: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” From the book of Acts, Chapter 4: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” In John, Chapter 14: “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” And finally, from Matthew, Chapter 18: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” This is what the name of Jesus means to me.

The name of Jesus saves.
The name of Jesus is to be worshipped.
The name of Jesus is to be uttered as a prayer.
The name of Jesus offers protection.
The name of Jesus is an open door to eternal life.
The name of Jesus gathers us together.

So now what? Well, Wednesday, Jan. 6th, was not the first time the name of Jesus was used in defense of or to assist in the efforts of destruction, division, and death. And Wednesday, January 6th, will not be the last time the name of Jesus will be used to diminish, dismiss, or divide groups of people. Although I am a big fan of the reading from John today – as we hear Jesus calling Phillip and Nathaniel as disciples and hear Nathaniel claim Jesus as the Son of God, I do believe the Holy Spirit is leading me in a different direction. Today, honestly, I am more interested in a different chapter of the book of John. Chapter 8:31. “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free?’”

I am struck by the forgetfulness of the Jews. Claiming they have never been slaves denies all their history of oppression under the Egyptians and denies the burden of the religious laws and customs of the temple and religious structure that has kept them bound to serving a God that can never be satisfied. With the birth of Jesus, the entire landscape changes. As God comes to us, sharing a message of love and eternal life, the blinded eyes of those who can only imagine an angry God are made new and opened to the promise of being in relationship with God who is in love with us.

I am struck by our own forgetfulness too. Claiming that we too are the beacon on the hill, a light to the nations, a nation built on the idea that all men are created equal. It is a noble aspiration. But my friends, if Wednesday, January 6th, taught us anything, it is a reminder that we have a long way to go on the journey toward full inclusion and equity for all people in this nation. A long way to go before the vision of God’s Kingdom on earth comes to full realization where the dignity and value of each person is honored and treasured above all other needs. We forget the history of a nation that has continued to learn to be better than our history explains. We are a work in progress. Some days inspiring the world. Other days painfully confessing our sinfulness and inability to remember where we have come from. And so, on this Sunday, as we hear the call of Jesus to Nathaniel and Phillip, it is my prayer that we, too, will hear the call of Jesus in our own hearts to follow in the footsteps of our Savior. To speak the name of Jesus in prayer and praise as we look to gather all people together. We have much work to do to realize and, in some cases, even begin to recognize the vision of God’s Kingdom here on Earth.

And that work – at least for me – so often begins with prayer and confession trusting in God’s promise of forgiveness and guidance. Let us pray.

Holy God, from whose eyes the measure of our faith is not hidden, who calls each of us by name to be the church, give us love enough to make a difference, give us vision enough to follow, give us endurance enough to hold steadfast in the face of the unholy. Bless us now and touch us with your holiness that we might have commitment enough to be good new to the poor. Comfort those who cry in dark corners; the lonely, the strangers, the weary, the fearful, the disappointed, the anxious, the depressed, the forsaken, the dispirited, the grieving, the sick, and those who suffer pain. Open our eyes to those around us who scream in science the depth of their despair. Break open hardened hearts to the tenderness of your care. Fire us with justice that we might proclaim freedom to the captives. Lord God, listen to our confession and prayer.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.

Holy God, we pray for miracles for the powerless. For the hungry that we might share our bread. For the homeless that we will open the doors of our hearts and let your wandering people in. Have mercy on those who must live out their lives enslaved to someone else because of race or politics or economics or faith. Loose our bonds that we might risk our won securities on their behalf. God of peace – give us your peace – to our hearts, to our nation, and to our world. Lord God listen to our confession and prayer.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.

People of God, this day, and every day, it is my confession, my prayer, and my praise to God. I speak Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Chris
Reprint of sermon Jan. 17, 2021

Real Affirmation

I’d like to begin our time together this morning with a question: How often do you think about your baptism? (Now don’t worry, I’m not judging here, I’m just asking the question for some self-reflection). Perhaps, it was your parents, grandparents, or someone else who reminded you of its importance by celebrating the anniversary of your baptism each year – so baptism has always been important to you. Or maybe you learned to appreciate it later in life like during confirmation or even later as an adult. Or maybe your appreciation of baptism comes in knowing its theological significance but, truth be told, you just don’t think about it all that often.

Take a moment and think about how often you actually think about your baptism and about the significance it might hold for your daily life. Because if we’re being completely honest, then I’m guessing it’s not all that much. Perhaps for some of you it is quite meaningful, but in general most people I know don’t think about their baptism too often.

I’m asking you to think about all this, because today, this first Sunday after Epiphany, is the day when we remember Jesus’ baptism. And as we dive deeper into today’s gospel text from Mark, we’re given an opportunity to think more deeply and claim more fully, the promises God made to us at our own baptism. More importantly, I’m asking you to think about all this because I believe there’s perhaps no more important event in our lives than our baptism.

One of the things I’m struck by in today’s culture is the widespread focus on affirmation. Facebook gives us the chance to “like” movies or books or posts – and to have things we share “liked” by our “friends” in return. Twitter, and Instagram invite us to collect an unlimited number of “followers,” or “friends,” – many of whom we may never have even met. Sports programs routinely reward kids with participation medals for just showing up. Ads are increasingly personalized, targeting our particular tastes and creating the false impression that we are the most important customer in the world. A false fantasy that goes on and on across so many aspects of our lives.

And one of the reasons I think social media is so powerful is because it creatively offers affirmation in ample doses. Deep down, of course, we know that this kind of affirmation doesn’t mean all that much – or at least shouldn’t. Many of the people we encounter across the internet don’t really know us and we don’t know them either – so how can their “likes” create any enduring sense of value or worth? And yet, it’s so hard not to wonder what was wrong with the picture we posted that only 20 people liked it when someone else’s received 200 likes.

So, while this affirmation may be somewhat superficial, it’s at least better than nothing, right? We crave that recognition and interaction because at heart we’re inherently social people. Almost every fiber of our being reflects God’s observation in the book of Genesis that it’s not good for us to be alone – and so the relentless and universal affirmation that social media offers, creates the perception that we’re connected to so many others and surrounded by a community of like-minded and like-able people that value us.

But is it a perception or is it merely an illusion? Sherry Turkle – an MIT professor, internet scholar, and author of the book Alone Together, discovered that people today report feeling simultaneously more connected and lonelier than ever before. So why is that? Because while we may crave affirmation, what we really need is acceptance.

But I want to be clear, acceptance isn’t the same as “fitting in.” In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Fitting in is all about changing yourself in order to be found acceptable to those around you, while acceptance is simply being recognized and valued as you are. I think most of us would agree that feeling accepted is important and maybe even necessary in order to lead a healthy and productive life.

Which is where baptism comes in. I’d like you to notice two things in Mark’s treatment of the story of Jesus’ baptism. First, notice God’s words to Jesus. They’re personal, emotional, and powerful. “You are my beloved son. With you I am well pleased.” Wrapped in these words of acceptance are the blessings of identity, worth, and unwavering honor. Second, notice that these words come just before Jesus’ temptation and the start of his ministry. This event – Jesus’ baptism – isn’t incidental to Mark’s story about Jesus – it’s foundational.

Again, and again as Jesus casts out unclean spirits, heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and welcomes the outcast, he will only do to others what has already been done to him – telling them both in what he says and what he does that they, too, are beloved children of God with whom God is well pleased. And the darkest moment of the story when Jesus feels absolutely abandoned is followed immediately by the story of resurrection, where the messenger testifies that God has kept God’s baptismal promise and continues to accept and honor Jesus as God’s own beloved Son.

So, in the very same way, when we are at our lowest moments, we might remember that the God who raised Jesus from the dead is the same one who promised in baptism to never abandon us and to love and accept us always as his beloved children – even and especially when we have a hard time loving and accepting ourselves.

This is why I think baptism is so incredibly important, because it offers us the acceptance, not merely affirmation, of the Creator of the Universe and in doing so empowering us to accept others in the same way. Baptism reminds us that wherever we may go and whatever we may do or have done to us – God continues to love us, accept us, and hold onto us.

The “like” culture of Facebook and other social media may offer us a false sense of conditional affirmation, but God’s baptismal promises of acceptance are unconditional. So, in these days when we are constantly being sold cheap affirmation as a substitute for genuine acceptance, and in a world where a variety of social, cultural, and commercial forces attempt to lay claim to our sense of identity – may we remain grounded in our baptismal identity as children of God and may we follow Jesus in doing for others what has already been done for us.

Dear friends, let us commemorate this day not just as the day we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, but also as the day we rediscover our own baptism and blessing. And as you receive the invitation to hear, see, and feel the promise and blessing of baptism once again may you be reminded that in baptism God has promised to love you forever. In baptism God has promised that God will never let you go. You are a beloved child of God and with you God is well pleased. So, hear again the promise of baptism that you have been “sealed by the Holy Spirit and + marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Thanks be to God. Amen.

Pastor Tony
Sermon, Jan. 10, 2021