During our Covenant service on Sunday 8 January, I read out a pastoral letter from Bishop Michael, about 2012 being a ‘Year of Baptism’ for the Diocese of Gloucester. In the letter, he spoke of the importance of Baptism as a sacrament, and also took the opportunity to talk about re-affirmation of baptismal vows for those who have previously been baptised.
In all four of our traditions at Christchurch, Baptism is recognised as something that happens just once in an individual’s life, whether for infants in the Anglican, Methodist and Reformed traditions, or for adults in the Baptist tradition (though believer’s baptism also takes place in the other three traditions too).
Sometimes, we feel the need to make a statement about our faith. We may want to re-affirm that we believe the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our lives, indwelling us. That feeling often does not go away.
Renewal of baptismal vows is a way of achieving just that. It is not baptism, because that has already happened, so there is no water involved. However, the words of the vows are very powerful, and it can be a special moment in our lives to revisit our baptism, even for those of us who were so young when it happened we cannot truly remember it as an event.
I have received some expressions of interest from people who would like to take part in a renewal of baptismal vows. This is something any of us who have been baptised can consider.
We will have a renewal of baptismal vows during morning worship one Sunday during 2012. The date is still to be arranged. If you feel led to make this act of witness, then please do not hesitate to have a word with me, I will be pleased to speak to you. Grace and peace.
Yours in shared ministry