“I will, with God’s help”

Dear Friends, 

These words adorn a poster designed by Marisa Holliday, Communications Director. The question is printed in bold letters next to a striking image of our church building. A gorgeous blue sky borders the top.

Our baptismal liturgy provides the response to this question with the words, “I will, with God’s help.” Together, they form a commitment that reminds us all human begins are made in God’s image (Genesis 1). It clarifies that when we serve and love the people in our lives – allof them, even the challenging ones! – we serve and love Jesus, too.

Serving others doesn’t mean we become doormats. It doesn’t require us to sublimate our own needs, desires, or opinions. It means we honor and entrust ourselves to a loving God who has promised to meet our needs. It prompts us to recognize we, too, are valued beyond measure, completely forgiven, and comforted by the Holy Spirit. This healing, life-giving truth frees us to love others fully.

“I will, with God’s help.” Loving and serving one another is the divine plan; we need God’s help to fulfill it. It’s a lifestyle we seek to embrace together at Bethesda. I wonder: who in your life can you serve and love today? Because as we carry out this baptismal commitment, we serve and love Jesus, too. 

Warmly,

The Rev. Susan R. Beebe+