Sacraments - March 3, 2021
The title of this communication can be read with different tones. It can be matter-of-fact, “What is the information I need to be aware of what is going on?” It can also be curious, “What is happening next and how do I get connected?” And it can be perplexed, “What in the world is going on now?” However, I can’t control the tone on your end and so if there is something being communicated that excites or interests you, let me know. And if there is something shared that frustrates or confuses you, let me know.
With that introduction, let me talk about the sacraments. Sacraments are important and have deep roots in our tradition. Thus, I am aware that changing the way we experience them can be challenging. I trust you will see that I do not make change without reason, but that doesn’t mean you will necessarily like it.
Baptism. Yesterday’s baptism was a mix of Covid change and missional change. I look forward to the day when baptism happens with the whole community present to celebrate and voice support and participate in the proclamation of our collective faith. I also look forward to being close enough to be able to do the baptizing and blessing in a hands-on way. The bigger and more lasting change, I hope, is having the parents of a child being baptized give voice to their faith and share how they experience the meaning of baptism. This is a missional practice that helps us put our faith-story into words and into the community. It is also a practice that will line up nicely when our missional practices bring as-yet-unbaptized adults to our church community and we invite them to tell their story.
On a practical note, I have a guide for those engaging with baptism and will coach and support the process to find a way to make it work according to each circumstance. I believe in a healthy mix of comfort and challenge; I will challenge you to stretch beyond your comfort zone but do not require that you do things that leave you in a state of discomfort. Thus, we meet and talk before we move into any action. I hope this helps.
Secondly, communion, the other sacrament. What I am saying above about baptism is as new to me as it may be to you. What I am presenting about communion is my habit for many years. First, I believe that communion as a physical expression of the gospel should tie in with the sermon. Or, put differently, any sermon that is not gospel-focused enough that it can’t lead straight to communion is likely missing something. The practical result of this is that communion no longer includes the reading of explanatory forms; the sermon is the explanation. I also believe that by “simplifying” the sacrament there is the possibility of more regular participation. For now, however, we will stick with the pattern of having communion about monthly. That said, since it is Lent and we started the season with communion, our next communion service will be on Good Friday which is probably the most traditional occasion for this sacrament as it connects with its origin in the Last Supper. However, we also plan to have communion again on Easter and with a very different tone. This contrast of sombre Good Friday communion and celebratory Easter communion will allow us to grasp that very important dynamic that we are both sorry for our sin and powerfully aware of Christ’s victory over it. Theologically, I would put it this way: without Easter resurrection, there is no life-giving power in the body and blood of Jesus. Communion lives because Jesus is alive.
There are a few more things I was going to talk about, but I value brevity. I will have many more chances to share. I hope this has helped you know what is going on, and feel free to let me know how you feel about it.
Pastor Erick