Last week, we read that Jesus told his disciples “the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few” and on this theme, the last thing Jesus did before he left this earth was give us the great commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a). That is our primary purpose.

It is not our only purpose to be sure. We are to work towards alleviating the many forms of suffering in the world. We are also to be responsible members of our community supporting community organisations and working for peace and justice in the world. And we are to maintain a house of worship and gather each week to worship God and to teach the sacred Word.

But, as vital as these things are they are not our main business. Our main business is to introduce the world to Jesus to the extent that people become his disciples, living the Christ life in such a way that the whole world is touched.

I have recently been made aware that some of you may not be aware of some of the ways in which we are attempting to fulfil Jesus great commission in this area.

Despite low numbers of young people in church I receive many requests for baptism. Sadly, those who seek baptism are often not baptised themselves. Parents and Godparents are rarely confirmed and have no understanding of  what it means to take “communion”… Nor do they understand the language of our worship. Parents come, however, with the best of intentions and bring their families and friends who are usually even more confused about the language and traditions of the church.

So, if I include baptism in the regular worship, the majority of those who visit feel excluded and confused for much of the service. This is aggravated by the fact that “regulars” become frustrated and annoyed by the talking, fidgeting etc this generates.

Hence, after consultation with wardens and parish council (within the first few months of my tenure) it was agreed that I would try taking a special service of Baptism, usually on the first Sunday of the month. First, I meet with the family and talk through the process and expectations, then I gather parents, Godparents etc for a “rehearsal” so as to familiarise people with the place and the language of the service. Each parent and Godparent is asked to consider their role in the life of the child. They prepare their own prayers of thanks for the child, hopes for the future and commitment. So, as well as making promises using the language of the church… they think about and express their faith in their own language.

Please note that this is not a private service. The congregation is represented by a member of Mothers Union who presents each child with a gift and a copy of Luke’s Gospel. Everyone is welcome! In fact, it would be a wonderful witness if more of our congregation came along to welcome the children and their families. I offer my deepest apologies for not making this invitation more clearly. As I will be away in the first week of August, there will be a baptism next Sunday at 11:00am. Please join us.

Blessings

Reverend Shan