We have two exciting events happening in worship on Sunday: a deacon commissioning and the baptism of Jacob Morse. Almost a year ago, the deacons committed to training and ministering to members. Joel Hempel has supervised and instructed Cathie Albers, Marcia Hempel, Bob Jacobson, and Tony Petzoldt. I got to go along for the ride. Each deacon was assigned people in the congregation who might need an empathetic ear. Then we met once a month for debriefing and skill enhancement. We learned to listen deeper, challenge when necessary and strengthen faith. On Sunday, they will stand before the congregation and commit to another year. I am proud of them and you get to show your support and appreciation.
Earlier in the service, Jacob Morse is to be baptized. I’d like to introduce him to you. Jacob grew up in a faithful Baptist home in Columbus, NE. His baseball prowess earned him a baseball scholarship to Concordia, Seward. He took Lutheran classes in New Testament, Old Testament and Faith and Life. He realized that his beliefs fit better in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Then he met Grace Jonas and they’ve been dating and going to church together for the last two years. On mother’s day our family got together with him for lunch in Kansas City and he asked if I would baptize him. I said, “It would be an honor.” He already has the faith that was planted in him as a child but now baptism will be a certain sign of that faith. The Holy Spirit has been working in him and will continue to work in Jacob’s life. The Morse family will be here and I know you will make them feel welcome.
Because of these two events in the service, there will be no communion on Sunday.
