TELLING YOUR FAITH STORY: The practice of evangelism
Pentecost season is a green, growing time. Buds produce flowers that produce fruit that nourishes the world.
In 2020 our context is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the world-wide call for justice for people of color, in particular #BlackLivesMatter. "...suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5 |
What fires you up? This summer there is a lot going on that is firing people up - the health and safety of our communities; injustice on display for all to see and protest; the need to connect with one another even during a time of physical distancing. We are challenged to deeply consider how our faith is fired up in these circumstances. The season of Pentecost begins with us breathing deeply the Spirit of God, the Spirit that created all of life. We mourn those who have had the breath knocked out of them and need our voices to be witnesses to God’s true intention. The season will end in August with Jesus asking us, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). The church is built on the confession that this Jesus, this Compassionate One, this Healer and Savior is true God living in human flesh. We walk with him this summer. We examine our own stories. We accompany siblings in all walks of life, practicing deep listening and holy conversation. We trust that God’s Spirit, poured out when Jesus breathed on us, will bear witness with and through our spirits. We celebrate the one body of Christ that lives and acts in the world with a multitude of beautiful members!
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Telling Your Faith Story - Resources
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Sharing the Peace as Witness
Steve Carr's Message, June 14th |
The Witness in Our Baptism Stories
Jon & Athena Francis, June 21st |
Finding Compassion in Your Story
Rev. Alex Cross, Chaplain West Linn Police Department, June 28th |
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Knowing Your Baptism Story
For people who were baptized as infants or young children, there can be a feeling that there is no story to tell. But Pastor Donna's conversation with Jon and Athena Francis on 6/21 might give you more to think about! In the beginning of her sermon, Pastor Donna recounted her own story of being baptized in Wisconsin in 1955. By reflecting on her story she discovered her parents' courage and commitment to have her baptized safely during the polio epidemic in that state. She finds that her faith is rooted in the truth of God's "yes" in the faith of death and death-dealing powers. She proclaims "I have died with Christ and I have risen with Christ!" That's a witness that grows out of digging into a baptism story! Jon and Athena bring a witness to the importance of bringing their children into a community of faith through baptism. There are many themes in baptism - which one resonates with your story? These articles can help you think about it. Then write it down for yourself or to share with others! "Infant Baptism - It's All About Grace" Tom Walker, Presbyterian Mission Agency, Presbyterian Church USA "Celebrating Baptism and Honoring Baptismal Promises" Deb Hetherington, Sparkhouse Blog |
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Affirmation of Baptism Commitment Shapes Our Story
People who have been baptized are invited to affirm the promises made in their baptism. Our covenantal relationship with God assures us of God's love, forgiveness, and accompaniment for all eternity. As a response of gratitude, we pledge to live our lives shaped by the life of Jesus and his way of the cross. We live "marked with the cross of Christ forever". Use these affirmations to examine your life and help create your faith story. The PDF version is a worksheet to guide you in reflection.
You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covemenat God made with you in holy baptism:
+ to live amonth God's faithful people,
+ to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
+ to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ through word and deed,
+ to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and + to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Response: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 237)
People who have been baptized are invited to affirm the promises made in their baptism. Our covenantal relationship with God assures us of God's love, forgiveness, and accompaniment for all eternity. As a response of gratitude, we pledge to live our lives shaped by the life of Jesus and his way of the cross. We live "marked with the cross of Christ forever". Use these affirmations to examine your life and help create your faith story. The PDF version is a worksheet to guide you in reflection.
You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covemenat God made with you in holy baptism:
+ to live amonth God's faithful people,
+ to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
+ to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ through word and deed,
+ to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and + to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Response: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 237)
| affirmation_of_baptism_vows_study_sheet.pdf |
The Holy Spirit
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