Sunday, September 10, 2006

You put your whole self in...


This morning was our official commissioning as NEP volunteers. We will typically be attending the 11:00 worship and sleeping through the 8:15 service, but today we went to the end of the first service for our commissioning. Appropriately enough, we walked into the early service during the baptism of a young boy. We heard his parents make their promises to raise him in the faith, and heard the congregation of Second Presbyterian promise to play their part as the body of Christ. Marked with the cross of Christ forever, his Christian journey was just beginning.

It was then our turn: four people who had been raised as part of the body were recommit to the same promises we have made before. Like in baptism, the fact that we are far from alone in this journey highlighted in our minds once again as the entire congregation made its pledge to support us in our work this year. We pledged to serve the people with energy, imagination, intelligence, and love--our whole selves. What an experience lies before us as we begin service in the Nashville community tomorrow morning. The choir's response to the benediction served as a prayer as new experiences with new types of people begin in the morning. I want Jesus to walk with me...all along this pilgrim journey, I want Jesus to walk with me.


Photo: Stained glass window at Upper Room Chapel, Nashville

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I will be thinking about you Monday morning. Hope your day goes well. Love you!