We learned Kenneth Herbert has suffered a fall and not feeling well and he was added to our prayers.
Elizabeth Young is in the hospital, her spirits are good but her health is not. Elizabeth’s’ daughter, Laura Jones, has been by her Mom’s side keeping her company.
There are more January birthdays coming up. Raymond Salinas’ birthday is on the 13th, Cameron Price the 15th, Leta Sage the 17th and Ronnie Belew the 18th.
Rev. Ken Lunsford talked about calendars and the start of a new year during the children’s time. He explained it was a fresh start. He said getting baptized is a fresh start also. Pastor Ken reminded us that when we see someone baptized, it shows the world that their sins have been forgiven and they have been given a fresh start in life through Christ Jesus.
“Remember I Am Baptized” was the title of Pastor Ken’s sermon. He explained what baptism means in the Christian faith and to a United Methodist in particular.
Baptism is a sacrament of the church universal. Every major Christian body recognizes the importance of baptism; it is at the heart of our
faith.
Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. The water was a symbol of the washing away of sin. But Jesus, of course, had no sin. We believe that in submitting to baptism Jesus was setting an example for us. Jesus later preached that repentance was necessary in order to live the kingdom life.
Baptism is a sign that we belong to Christ, it is a sign and seal that we are no longer our own. We are not sinless as Christ was, but because of what God has done in Christ, we are accepted as if we were. We are God’s
beloved.
It is said that whenever Martin Luther found himself ready to give up, whenever worry for his own life and the life of the Church he loved overwhelmed him, he would touch his forehead and say to himself:”Remember Martin, you have been baptized.”
In the Methodist Church we receive only one baptism. When we accept new members from other denominations that have been baptized that is sufficient. The United Methodists do have a reaffirmation of faith service for those who want to rededicate their lives to Christ.
Our Congregation extends sympathy to the family of Emma Huggins. Emma passed away Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her funeral was held Tuesday, January 10, in the First United Methodist with Rev. Ken Lunsford officiating. Emma was a longtime member of this congregation. Pastor Ken visited many times with her in the nursing home. Just a few weeks ago Christmas carolers visited and sang for Emma. She will be
missed.