Uniting Church Pakenham Regional Mission Area

Pakenham Uniting Church 168801_22

“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”

Sunday morning’s service, the beginning of the Sundays after Epiphany started with a baptism radiating God’s spirit seeing him in a new light. Reverend Robert used the baptismal font and the hymns we sang were connected with baptism as this is the celebration of Jesus’ baptism.

Robert spoke of being inducted into the Scout movement as a Cub in Wangaratta. He had no memory of being baptised as he was a baby but he was told he had a good set of lungs. With water, the cross and words of welcome it all began. In Scouts it is a handshake while in the church water is splashed on the baby.

All four gospels refer to Jesus’ baptism. John the Baptist was with Jesus. A voice from heaven said “this is my beloved son”. Jesus baptism was a defining moment in his life as his relationship to God was seen in a new light. The presence of God is seen in a special way. The early church then adopts baptism – the fact is we are all beloved by God. Baptism is not the means to being beloved but points to what is the truth, that we are loved by God. We are reminded of the spiritual presence of God. We are all God’s beloved children. We have a lifelong calling to live lives which are pleasing to God.

At his baptism Jesus change from Jesus the carpenter to Jesus the preacher. We are asked to live out our own baptisms by nurturing each other and upholding each other in prayer.

To remember:

Rev Robert is on leave January 10th – 18th. Please contact your Elder for assistance.

Sunday 16th service 10am is with Rev Dr Denham Grierson

Sunday 23rd January 10am Rev Robert Elkhuizen

Sunday 30th January 10am Hymn Service.

“Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord”. Psalm Ch 135 V1