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What does the sacrament of baptism mean for our journey of faith?
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For many of us, our baptism seems like a long-ago event that doesn't have much bearing on our life today. As a child or new disciple of Jesus, we went through the waters. How does that connect with our walk of faith today?
In her sermon this week, Pastor Tina reminds us that baptism is a big deal! Jesus himself was baptized, as a sign that he was taking on and settings us free from our sins.
In our baptism, we (or our sponsors) took vows that we would turn away from the easy life of sin and follow Jesus Christ as Lord.
This is our continual response to God's grace, which marks us as children of God. Even more, baptism calls us to ministry.
Where is God calling you to Go and Grow this year? Reflect on that question as you listen and respond to the sermon this week.
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Dig Deeper!
Remember
When were you baptized? Were you an infant, teenager, or adult? Where did it happen? Who was there? If you didn't have a chance to read it, Stephanie Visnic's Advent devotional on baptism helps us consider this question in light of the birth of Jesus. Click here to read it.
Have you seen the new Fred Rogers movie? As an ordained minister, Mister Rogers often reminded his audience to remember where they came from. In his 1997 Emmy Awards acceptance speech, he said, "All of us have special ones who loved us into being. Would you just take, along with me, 10 seconds to think of the people who helped you become who you are?" Take a moment now to remember and thank God for those who helped form you as a disciple of Christ.
CovenantTake some time this week to read about the covenants God makes with the people of God throughout Scripture and renew your covenant with God. This article, from our denomination, reminds us of the promise made with Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 and the way baptism is a new circumcision in Christ (Colossians 2:11-12). What does it mean that the King of the Universe has made a treaty, an agreement, a promise, a covenant with you? |
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Pardon the Dust!
Paris Church continues to grow through investments in and improvements to the infrastructure we have been blessed with through the work of those who have gone before us.
Last week, we highlighted the accessible bathroom renovation project that continues in the Gathering Place. But have you noticed the upgrades to the sanctuary?
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For the past few weeks, we've been working to expand and improve our sanctuary technology.
Our new digital mixing console provides much needed expandability for our praise team at first service as well as helping us provide recordings of the worship service.
We have also implemented a new camera system that allows us to stream Sunday worship live via Facebook. Recordings of past services are available on our Facebook Page and we are continually improving the quality of these streams and recordings.
Check back later this month for more information about improvements to our office!
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Go & Grow!
Our leadership created a new mission statement at this year's retreat: "Going in Service, Growing in Faith." What does it mean for you? We're asking everyone to do TWO things.
- Thing One: Go in Service. Do something to support a ministry in the church through your time and talents.
- Thing Two: Grow in Faith. Join or continue in a small group that will help you draw closer to God.
Are you still looking for inspiration for your "two things?" In the coming weeks, we'll have more information on existing small groups, new groups, and service opportunities!
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One of our popular small groups is Susan Spencer-Smith's Tuesday afternoon Bible study. They meet weekly at 1pm. The current study is "In the Fullness of Time," through February 18th.
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Stop by the library after worship this Sunday to make a Valentines Day Card for a Veteran.
Brighten a Veteran's day with only a few minutes of your time!
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Join us on Sunday, January 26th for worship as well as the congregational meeting at 10am between services.
Rev. Tara Fanton will be preaching.
During our meeting, we'll thank Pastor Tara for her time of service here as Associate Pastor and send her off with blessings on her ongoing chaplaincy work.
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"The Gift of Unbridled Curiosity"
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John 1:29-42 (NIV)
John Testifies About Jesus
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
Continue Reading...
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