On All Saints Sunday, Shepherd celebrated that over this past year there have been 49 baptisms at our church. This, of course, is a very significant number for it represents that our congregation is blessed with many young families. It insures that our children’s ministry will multiply and grow. And all these baptisms also show that our church is reaching out to many guests and new worshippers who want to connect and get involved.

Shepherd’s beliefs about baptism are centered in the Biblical truths that this rite is not magic. It is not a "fire insurance policy" that guarantees that this person will go to heaven no matter what. And the purpose of baptism is not to make a person part of a denomination, the idea that one is baptized Lutheran, or Catholic, or Methodist, or Episcopalian, or whatever.

Rather, baptism is into the Christian life, into Christ himself. It is not intended to make one a Lutheran, but to make one a Christian. It is a sacred act that affirms God’s grace and promises, which is also symbolized in the physical use of water.

And yet the key message of baptism is that a person be nurtured in a relationship with Jesus, and that they worship and learn to know Jesus as their Savior. For the Bible says that only the person "who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16).

Martin Luther, in his Small Catechism explanation to the question, "What Does Baptism Mean For Daily Living?" said these words, "It means that our old sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance, and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever."

Notice from Martin Luther’s words that baptism is not simply a ticket to, nor a guarantee that a person will go to heaven no matter what. It is not a designation that everyone baptized is a Christian no matter how they live or what they believe. Rather, baptism is an adoption into Jesus’ family that calls us to live and grow in faith. And that faith is centered in daily repentance, daily renewal, and daily affirming and living in God’s will and promises. And that’s why Shepherd’s ministry to children, parents, and families is  so important. For if parents are following through on the promises they make at their children’s baptisms, they need to be worshipping faithfully and growing in their own faith.

And since a Christ-centered home is the best faith incubator, our children’s programs and learning at Shepherd are intended to enhance and support what needs to be happening in the home. And the ultimate goal is that our children grow up knowing and believing in Jesus throughout their whole life.

Shepherd’s fall stewardship emphasis centered in the theme, "Investing In Changing Lives." May we remember that as we generously invest our personal and financial support in the mission of Shepherd, that lives are being changed through baptism and faith development. God’s promises are alive as we truly live out our baptismal promises each day.

If there are any adults, youth, or older children who have not been baptized, we invite you to share this sacrament centered in God’s promises. For an older child or adult, baptism is a very special affirmation of God’s grace to us, as well as a public way of affirming our faith and intentions to grow as God’s child. Baptism classes are offered regularly, plus personal instruction and discussion with one of us pastors is available to anyone.

May we remember in our prayers these 49 children and adults who were baptized this past year, as well as all the baptized children and adults in our church. May we pray for one another, that these promises of Jesus may live in each heart, and that each one may grow each day in their faith and in being one of God's disciples.