Dear Church,
Last week I introduced Trinity Church Unley’s purpose statement:
Our purpose under God is to make disciples who remain in Jesus, established in love for the glory of God.
My thinking is that if we know our purpose, it will help us stay on track as a church. It will shape what we do next. It will help us discern what is important—and what is not. A clear purpose helps us not to get lost.
Last week we read from Matthew’s Gospel where the risen Jesus commissioned his disciples. Together we spent time thinking and talking about what it means to make disciples. What is our role? What is God’s role? My prayer is that Trinity Church Unley would continue to proclaim Jesus with clarity and faithfulness.
But, our purpose is broader than simply making disciples. This week we’ll be looking at what it means for disciples to remain in Jesus. We’ll be reading one of my favourite Bible passages, John 15, as we reflect on what it means to remain in Christ bearing fruit for him.
Last week, in the Great Commission from Matthew 28, Jesus commanded the disciples to baptise. This week we get to do just that as we baptise Phoebe Satyanandan. Baptism’s are wonderfully encouraging. So let me encourage you not to miss this Sunday.
Who should be baptised?
Anyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour may be baptised. Children born into Christian families are baptised on the understanding that they too are counted as part of God’s great family and will be raised as committed followers of Jesus.
This Sunday, as you participate in Phoebe’s baptism, I hope you’ll also pause and give thanks for the way God has been at work in your own life.
To celebrate Phoebe’s baptism, we’ll be sharing morning tea after the service. We’d love you to stay, enjoy an iced latté (the weather is looking warm, but lovely) and some other refreshments while saying hello to visitors and regulars alike.
I’m looking forward to gathering together again with you this Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Karl