Rochester, MN UCC - "Thirst for God" - Psalms 42 & 43

As the long winter and cold spring dragged on endlessly this year Andrew and I found ourselves complaining to those in Bible Study about how bleak it felt. It was gray and colorless for months. Thank God, Elizabeth Judkins reminded us of the coming of spring and that "God will renew the earth again" and helped us to look forward to the color and warmth that were coming. After a period in the shadows, new life and renewal can feel elusive.

This Sunday, please bring water from home in any container you wish as we are blessed to baptize Clara Mae Schlee, daughter of Brielle and Carter Schlee, into the Christian faith. After more than two years of pandemic with its stops and starts, periods of separation, and profound loss we get to celebrate the glow and promise of new life. When we baptize a child into the faith, we as the congregation promise to love them and guide them in faithful living. We claim the child as an indispensable part of the body of Christ and then treat them as such in their growing. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate this incredible sacrament and be reminded that God is indeed renewing the world again and again.

Peace, Pastor Shannon