Last night was our ACM (Annual Church Meeting) and it was great to meet as God’s people to reflect on the year just past and look forward to the year ahead. Alan Loach put together for us a wonderful video to remind us of some of the things as a church we were involved in last year. There is a link to the video in the update; it is well worth a watch.
Signs of Life
The ACM video and accompanying annual report witness not just to lots of activity, but to signs of new life in Christ, and that is to be celebrated and is something to give thanks to God for.
This Sunday we will participate in two important signs of life as God works among us as his body.
Dedication
There is a dedication, and it is a privilege to be able to stand with families who are dedicating themselves to Christian parenthood and pledge our support and that QPBC will always be a place where children are welcome.
Baptisms
There will also be three baptisms. It is always a joy to see people being baptised and hear their testimonies. While those being baptised are obviously the main participants in this, we also participate in this holy moment as witnesses.
Witnesses who make Promises
Our role as witnesses to a baptism is, in many ways, similar to the role we promise to take at a dedication. Just as in a dedication, we commit to support a family in the raising of their child, so as witnesses to a baptism, we commit to supporting those being baptised in their on-going discipleship in Christ. As we mentioned at the ACM last night, discipleship is not exclusively the responsibility of the pastoral or ministry team, but is a responsibility each and every one of us share.
Pray
As we look forward to Sunday, please remember in prayer the Marshall family who will dedicate Joseph, and Raed, Ansam, and David who will be baptised. Pray that they would know God with them this week as they prepare for Sunday and that all of us would know a fresh encounter with God as we gather to worship him together.
See you Sunday.
Brodie