Reflections

Reflections

This Sunday (March 23) will will be administering the sacrament of Holy Baptism to a tiny infant: Catherine Winifred Dickson. She is the daughter of Virginia Anderson and Andy Dickson,  and we at Nativity have been praying for little “Cat”for months before her birth last November.

It goes without saying that Cat has no choice in this decision to be baptized at  four months of age. That is a decision that was made for her in thanksgiving by her family who loves her dearly. Within our particular spiritual tradition,  the practice of baptizing infants is rooted in our belief that the initiative to establish a relationship with God always begins with God. There is, of course, a need for each of us to respond to that Divine initiative of grace, but it all begins outside of our own particular decision- making processes. God loves first, then we respond.

Another reason we are willing to baptize infants is that we understand this spiritual pilgrimage that each of us now travels, is never a solitary journey. We travel with, and in many cases, are carried by, countless fellow pilgrims. Cat will be carried by her family for a season to experience that love that flows through them from beyond themselves. 

Please know that this unique community of Nativity will play a very important part in this little child’s spiritual life. At a critical point in the baptismal liturgy I will ask those in the congregation on Sunday, “Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in her life in Christ?” As the congregations responds affirmatively, it is a promise to be a nurturing and supporting community in word and deed. Sometimes that might mean  being available to the weary parents for conversation or a bite to eat. Sometimes it might mean finding ways to make that little child feel at home at Nativity. Sometimes it might mean holding Virginia, Andy and Cat together in prayer for a season.

It has been said that faith is more often “caught” than “taught”. That takes a community. So may it be with this beloved child of God.

Other Matters of Importance:

Daughters of the King: An Intentional Community of Prayer for Women-

   Interest has been expressed about starting a chapter of the Daughters of the King at Nativity. First begun in an Episcopal Church in New York in 1885, the Daughters of the King (DOK), is now an international Episcopal/ Anglican community of 25,000 members devoted to a discipline of intentional prayer, service and evangelism. Laura Pitre and Margaret Love Denman are currently members of this sisterhood and Laura will be making a brief presentation on Sunday about her experience. There will also be a more extensive discussion of the Daughters of the King on Tuesday, April 15 at  for women who would like more information and conversation about this unique ministry.

Important Dates to Note-

April 13- Palm Sunday (Holy Week begins)

April 17- 6:30 pm: MaundyThursday worship

April 18- 12:00 noon: Liturgy of Good Friday

April 20- Easter Sunday

May 25- Rogation Sunday- following worship we will travel to the home of Vivian McKey for a picnic and a blessing of the fields.

See you Sunday!

Blessings and Peace,

Duncan

Dmgrayiii@gmail.com

(601)2601937