LIVING OUR BAPTISMAL COVENANT
"People of God, do you promise to support the baptized and pray for them in their new life in Christ." We respond with a resounding 'We do'.
At each baptism we say 'we do' with sincere intentions. We rejoice in the rite of baptism we
just witnessed. We smile as we celebrate with the family of the baptized. But most often
we return to our daily routines and often don't focus on our covenant made with the baptized
until the next time we witness a baptism.....the covenant to support the baptized (all
the baptized of every age) in their faith walk through life.
Those words affect each of us throughout our life in the Christian community. No time
limit, no exceptions, no excuses! How can we live out this commitment? How can we, as a
community, equip and empower the believers?
Several Trinity members were privileged to clarify faith building opportunities at the
F.A.I.T.H. – 'Faith Alive In The Home' - conference in April. The process isn't complicated or
even difficult. However, the application of tools and faith-building principles needs to be
deliberate, systematic and continuous. We owe each other the loving commitment to create
and sustain an environment of faith building tools and actions.
With the Baptismal Covenant as a backdrop, our 2010 Fall programs are all focused on
ways to Live as a Covenant Community. Pastor Paul blesses us with the focused messages
pointing us toward a Baptismal Covenant community. Joe Domko has stepped up to
assume the Confirmation and Faith Village program responsibilities and lead us in living as
leaders, students and parents. Numerous volunteers are stepping into leadership roles of
our various educational ministries. The framework is in place.
Now, the opportunities open for each of us to step into a deeper relationship with God, each
other and the greater community. How can you live your Baptismal Covenant? It starts
with prayer and continues with being alert to the call to service. Does something catch
your eye when you’re around Trinity? Why not figure out a way to focus on how that might
be an opportunity for service? Want to help but can’t figure out a way that would fit you?
Talk to a Council member and explore the possibilities. How about stopping by the table in
the Narthex of the Fellowship Hall and see if there is a sign up option that fits you? Contact
the office and ask to be added to the email or phone prayer chain. Pray for one another.
The list goes on!
Living our Baptismal Covenant also means centering ourselves in God’s Word and
Sacrament. This issue of Tidings contains a Questionnaire for EVERYONE to complete to
help us know what interests and choices represent your vision of building faith and thus
equipping ourselves to live our Baptismal Covenant. Take a moment to complete the form
and drop it off in the basket on the table in the narthex. Extra copies are also available on
the table in the Narthex as well as an attachment to the e-News. Stay tuned for an
upcoming event to come together and further these opportunities. We’d appreciate the
forms being completed and turned in by Sept. 12 – Rally Sunday.
Also take note of "The Seven Core Values of Children," Youth and Household Ministry as
defined by the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA elsewhere in this issue of the Tidings.
- Marilyn Hartig