This coming Sunday, we will share in a special renewal of our baptismal vows during both the 9:00 AM Zoom service and the 10:45 AM live stream. I had this idea after spending time with the incredible text from Romans 12 that is appointed for the day. St. Paul speaks of “being transformed by the renewing of your minds,” which spoke to me very much as I look back over these past five months.
Even as I am tired of “having to deal with” the details and frustrations around being removed from our typical patterns of worship, my heart tells me that the Spirit is up to something. Our eyes are being opened to a more expansive way of understanding our practice of faith.
So, this Sunday, we will mark this promise of transformation by renewing our baptismal vows. I can think of no better way to orient ourselves to the truth of Christ’s presence in our lives–and our call to participate in the movement of the Spirit. To mark our reality of being at home, I invite you to get a favorite bowl or cup and fill it with water for the sermon. Keep it close to you. You might also consider setting up an altar space in your home, like Cheryl discussed back in April, as an intentional place for prayers throughout the day. The more ways we can have tactile, sacramental reminders in our practice of faith, the better.
Blessings, always,
Stuart
The Diocese of Atlanta has issued new regathering protocols. Sunday worship will remain online but provisions have been made for groups of 10 or less to gather outdoors. Private prayer in our nave will also be possible, following strict guidelines, for those missing a physical connection to our worship space. Please watch for details about what this means for Grace Church as we head into fall!
We honored the return to school during our live stream service last Sunday with a wonderfully expressed Back to School Blessing. You can find a printable copy of the blessing at the link below. Hang it on your fridge as a reminder that God is with us through the newness and unknown of the school year ahead!
Imagine a renewed approach to online worship through music, visual art, and spoken word. All are invited to join the Diocese of Atlanta as we make Jesus the center of our lives. The monthly video series, Imagine Church, premiers Sunday, August 23 at 7:00 PM.
This post highlights some events and news pertinent to the upcoming week.