What a GRAND Re-opening we had!
Thanks to one and all for supporting us in the re-opening of the Soup Kitchen Monday evening for sit-down, in-house meals. Thanks for your prayers, monetary support, and volunteer support...and for Robin's leadership in continuing this incredible ministry. 

I have two images from our first night: The first is people coming to the door, looking in at the tables so lovingly set and decorated by the morning volunteers and asking tentatively "May I come in?" When the answer was "Yes, of course!" big smiles appeared everywhere. The second image comes from one of our younger guests, nine years old, who when seeing a person about her age shouted "Look! It's my friend!"  Yes, it's not just about the food. 

A few things to share with you:
In addition to The Soup Kitchen at St. Barnabas Face Book page (cared for by parishioner/Board member Sharon Hunt), we have a new Friends of the Soup Kitchen at St. Barnabas  Face Book page, (created and cared for by Board Member Melanie Johnson) that is targeted for our donors and volunteers. You are encouraged to check the pages on a regular basis and stay in touch with the ministry begun here in 1990. Soon, we will also have an Instagram page to share our story in another format.  

Still considering volunteering for our Soup Kitchen? Why not consider putting together a team of friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and volunteer? It's such fun to work with others. We have two shifts a day (morning and afternoon) available. The link to our volunteer form is here. 
 

     Thoughts to Ponder...You are marked as Christ's Own Forever and Sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism

Every time I say these words to the newly baptized forehead, I get goose bumps. Sometimes I even find them difficult to say without my voice breaking. These words are said as the sign of the cross is made on the forehead of the newly baptized. The power behind the words continue to speak to me: What is it to be "marked" as belonging to the One who walked this earth and showed us how to live, human and divine? What is it to be sealed by the Spirit that brings the divine into the deepest part of our being? The understanding is beyond words because it is full of mystery.

The sacrament of Holy Baptism is the first sacrament of the church. The other sacrament is Holy Eucharist. These are the two great sacraments of the church as these are the two which were given by Christ for all believers. (The other five sacramental rites: confirmation, holy matrimony, ordination, reconciliation of a penitent and holy unction are experiences offered by the church but not required for being Christ's follower. See pages 858-861 of the Book of Common Prayer.) 

In the early days of the church, only adults were baptized. Over the centuries, infants and children also began to be baptized. Now, baptism is open to anyone who wishes to be baptized; or for an infant, parents who wish their child to be "marked as Christ's own forever and sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism." 

Baptism has a long and dramatic history in the church. Did you know that when adults were to be baptized they had to go to class for three years to learn about Christianity? Did you know that the earliest baptisms took place at sunrise on Easter Sunday...and that those baptized wore no clothes? 

Yet these things are not the things that truly matter. It is the theology and statements in the liturgy that are so powerful: the presentation and examination of the candidates; the prayers for the candidates; the prayer over the water blessing it while reminding us of our connection to creation, to the Exodus and to Jesus' death. And it is the renewal of our own baptismal vows that is the ultimate "icing on the cake;" to stand and say with the newly baptized how we are to live as Christ's own forever. 

All Saints Sunday is one of the four Sundays in the liturgical year designated for Holy Baptism. It is a day when we remember our ancestors and welcome new people into the fold in a very special way. 

On Sunday, October 16, after worship, we will have a Forum on Holy Baptism. Everyone is invited. And..AND...if any of you are considering Holy Baptism for you or a member of your family, please consider being baptized on All Saints Sunday. Get in touch with me as soon as possible so we can talk more and see if, indeed, this is the next step in your journey with God. 


Blessings on this lovely day and let's stay in touch,
Betty+  

Odds and Ends:

Our Fall Bible Study on "Miracles" will begin on Thursday, October 6. Class will occur at 12 noon and again at 7 p.m. in the Treadwell Room. 




Stuffing party this Friday at 10 a.m.! Come to the Treadwell Room anytime after 10 a.m. and help us get the envelopes stuffed with this year's Stewardship Letter and pledge card. Many hands will make light (and fun!) work while helping us to plan for the coming year. 

This Sunday's Forum after Worship: "Going into A Brave New World: First Stop; Instagram." Bring your cellphone and travel with us. 


Choir rehearsal is now on Sunday after church. Stay after worship and be a part of this wonderful ministry. 




Sunday, October 16 Forum after church: “What is baptism, the first sacrament of the Church?"