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BAPTISM

Generally, sacraments are understood to be "signs" which tell us something and "seals" which convey the very thing that is told. A sacrament is something like a kiss or an embrace, which both speak of affection and convey that affection at the same time.

Baptism has many meanings: that we are chosen by God, that we want to be known as one whom God has chosen, that God calls us into the community of faith, that we are responding to God's calling, that God forgives sin, that we want God's forgiveness, that God is making us living members of Christ's body today, that we are willing to be the hands and ears and eyes and mouth of Christ. When we read the Gospel accounts of baptism, we find Jesus wanting to be baptized because it was a way of saying he was lined up with God ("fulfilling righteousness" or "right relationship"). During Jesus' baptism, he receives the word that he is the "beloved son" (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22). For each of us who align ourselves with God and are baptized, that is God's word -- "you are my beloved." We are chosen and special in the eyes of God, even though we may continue to look shabby to ourselves and others.

There are three ways that baptism is traditionally done. Each of those ways seems to emphasize one of the historic meanings. Immersion, dipping a person in water until he or she is covered and then lifting him or her out again, gives a picture of dying and being raised to new life in Christ. Pouring water over the head of the person being baptized conveys something of the cleansing and washing of sin. Sprinkling a few drops of water seems to speak of being chosen and selected by God.

MEMBERSHIP

When a person joins The United Methodist Church, he or she takes vows to uphold the church with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness. What exactly does this mean?