For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.

1 Corinthians 12:13a

Pastor Rob held the newly baptized baby and looked out into the congregation. Spotting an older gentleman in the second pew, he tenderly placed the church’s newest member in his arms. “She’s your baby now,” he said, “and yours, and yours … .” The words and water of Baptism bound that baby to Jesus and made her a child of God’s family, the church. As her human family bears responsibility for her care, the church family is called to nourish, support, and encourage her as a fellow member. We include even the youngest family members in worship and provide opportunities for them to grow in their faith. The physical hand-off of newly baptized babies ended with COVID-19, but the principle remains — as baptized Christians, we are responsible for even the youngest members of our family of faith.

Eileen Ritter
Byron Center, MI

Dear Jesus, enable us to encourage our youngest members in their faith that we may share eternity with them in heaven. Amen.

Reflect: How can you help your congregation intentionally support its youngest members?

Read: Romans 6:1-14 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-13