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This weekend is one of those moments we don’t just mark on the calendar—we celebrate with our whole hearts. We get to witness and rejoice in baptisms! Each baptism is a living testimony of God’s grace at work, a story of transformation that reminds us why we do what we do together as a church. It’s heaven’s joy spilling over into our own celebration here on earth.
Celebration in the life of the church is never just about clapping and smiling (though we’ll be doing plenty of that). It’s about recognizing that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves—God’s mission in the world. When someone takes that step of faith, it’s not only their personal milestone; it’s a moment we all share because we’ve prayed, served, given, invited, and encouraged as one body.
I’m thankful for the way our church comes together—not just to “attend” but to join in God’s mission. Whether you’re setting up chairs, teaching children, welcoming guests, cooking a meal, or leading in worship, you are part of the celebration. Each act of service is a thread in the tapestry God is weaving here, and this weekend is a reminder that those threads form something beautiful when we work together.
Let’s also remember that baptism is not the finish line—it’s the starting line of a new chapter in someone’s walk with Christ. As a church, we get to surround our new brothers and sisters with encouragement, discipleship, and love. That’s part of the celebration too: committing to walk with one another as we all grow in faith.
And in all of this, we can’t overlook the quiet but powerful work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who softens hearts, opens eyes, convicts of truth, and draws people to Jesus. It is the Spirit who takes the Gospel we share and makes it alive in a person’s heart. Baptism is the visible sign of an invisible miracle—the Spirit’s work of bringing someone from death to life. This is why we celebrate with such joy: because God Himself has moved in power among us.
So, as we approach this weekend, let’s show up ready to celebrate—hearts open, voices lifted, joy overflowing. And as we cheer for those going into the waters of baptism, let’s remember: the celebration doesn’t end there. Every day we live for Christ, together, is a cause for rejoicing.
With joy and gratitude, David Peñate
