Baptism Fulfilled
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”
I am proud to be part of a congregation that supports children. When we perform the sacrament of baptism, we promise to be responsible for the nurture of the child. We do that with our Sunday morning and Wednesday night education. Its effectiveness is expressed each time a child or youth is the worship liturgist.
I was concerned the first couple of times the children led worship. Would they be prepared? Even more importantly, would they be terrified to speak in front of hundreds of people? Month after month, dozens of children, some so young they appear to be disembodied voices behind the pulpit. Each children’s Sunday, without fail, the children were well prepared and excited to participate. How can this be working so well?
Are all our children extroverts? Are our children like those in Lake Wobegon, and “all the children are above average?” While I love and cherish each of our children, and they are indeed all “above average,” there is another reason. The real reason our children are so comfortable is because our congregation is so accepting and supportive of our children.
One of the most spiritual affirmations a church can perform is the commitment to making the church a safe, comfortable, and loving place. We’ve done that for our children. We must continue to make this a priority for everyone in our church. Today, thank God for the blessing of our children. When a child or youth leads worship, remember their names and offer prayers for them throughout the following week. When we pray for our children and youth, we fulfill our commitment to them on their baptismal day. Our children and youth are a blessing from God and deserve the very best we can provide.
(Originally printed on Nov. 6, 2017)
