ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 9, 2026
There are moments when you witness something without pondering everything that occurred behind the scenes. We see the results without seeing much of the required work. As a friend used to say, “It takes a lot of effort to make something look effortless.” Last Sunday, we had three baptisms in worship. I really enjoy doing baptisms, but on those Sundays, the congregation enters the sanctuary to see the baptistry full of water. For this past Sunday, the baptistry was filled on Saturday and the recirculating pump was turned on for the purpose of heating the water (probably not as necessary last Sunday as it was last February). On Saturday, we realized our smallest baptismal robe was not small enough for our youngest baptismal candidate. So Pam Johnson adjusted it Saturday night and had it waiting behind the scenes Sunday morning. There were towels and baptismal certificates waiting for each candidate, and plenty of extra towels. Joel had put down some additional slip-resistant strips on the stairs to reduce people from slipping barefoot. After everything was done, Becca Clark gathered wet towels and robes and other leftover items. She took them home, washed them, and returned them to the Centrum all folded or placed on hangers. We are ready for the next round of baptisms. I get the fun part, while so many others do the real work beyond the eyes of the congregation. That’s true of so many things in the life of the church, but today, I am thankful for those who assisted in making Sunday a special day.
For the important, yet often unnoticed ministries of the church, we are thankful. God of Inspiration, bless those who without fanfare get important tasks done in pursuit of your good and sacred work. Amen.
