Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation, Becoming Episcopalian
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18b-20 NRSVUE
This is the Great Commission in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus is telling the disciples what they are to do: make more disciples. How is that done? Well, baptism of course. It is the original and consistent manner anyone joins the Christian community of believers. It is the mark of the Holy Spirit which can never be erased or removed. You are God’s own forever.
This past Sunday we Baptized four people and now it’s time to teach them everything Jesus has commanded and remind them that Jesus is with them always…to the end of the age. This is done as an introduction to all of this through Confirmation and Reception. We have classes that explore Reflection, Biblical understanding, Episcopal Faith and Tradition, and Service. There we just scratch the surface of a lifetime of learning.
Reaffirmation is for those that have already been Baptized, Confirmed by an Episcopal Bishop, or Confirmed in another faith tradition by a Bishop and Received. These folks are reinvigorated and restating their commitment to Christ.
Once Baptized, Confirmed, or Received, you are a member of the Episcopal Church. Enabling one to become more active in the life of the church.
If you are not already, would you want to be officially a part of the Episcopal Church? This can be accomplished by being baptized if you have never been baptized before. Our next date for Baptism is January 12, 2025. Please let the office know if you are interested by November 24th.
You can be Confirmed if you have never had a Bishop lay hands on you, or you can be Received if you have been Confirmed by a Bishop in another faith tradition at the next Bishop’s visit on February 16th, 2025. You can also be Reaffirmed on that day. Please let us know if you are interested by January 5th, 2025.
Please consider deepening your relationship with God and the church by being Baptized, Confirmed, Received, and even Reaffirmed.
God’s Peace,
Fr. Mitch+