I am struck virtually speechless as I contemplate the tragedy in Tucson earlier this week. I am also struck nearly speechless as we now begin to hear stories of heroism from those who were there at the shooting. Our hearts grieve for all those killed, and for the shooter and his family. One of the confessions of the Presbyterian Church USA (PC(USA)) is "A Brief Statement of Faith" and it says "in life and in death we belong to God". These weeks the Scripture texts are about Jesus' baptism, and what that reveals and means for us. Jesus' baptism did not confer immunity from bad things to him--he died a violent death--and neither does our baptism. It does mean, however, that we belong to God--and nothing can separate from the love of God in Jesus Christ. Baptism also is the beginning of Jesus ministry--and it is ours, too. Our ministry to be peacemakers. Our ministry to be actors-out of love, not hate, life, not death, health, not illness. This is our calling.
Pastor Nancy
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