This past Sunday was Jubilate Sunday–the Third Sunday after Easter. We heard in the Gospel lesson these words of our Lord: “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:16). Jesus spoke this to the disciples in the upper room right before His arrest and crucifixion, and, in the context, these words refer to His death and burial (you will not see me) and His resurrection (you will see me). However, they also have something to say to us about the current time, when we don’t see Christ, and what we have to look forward to. Listen to the sermon for more.
We rejoice that God continues to enlarge His family! At the Great Vigil of Easter this past Saturday, All Saints’ Parish had the privilege of witnessing and participating in the new birth through water and the Word of Baby Edith, Iris, and Will in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. God promises in His Word that through the washing of Holy Baptism, He joins us to the death and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6), causes us to be born again (John 3), saves us and causes us to become regenerate through the gift of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3), and cleanses us of all our sin (Eph. 5). We celebrate that these three children of God have received such precious and eternal gifts!
Baptism now saves you…through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21
Iris & Will
We also got to hear the public confession of Iris, Will, Brian, Megan, and Ethan and witness their confirmation in the holy catholic faith of their baptism. Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” These five were glad to boldly confess their faith and hope in Christ and in the gifts of forgiveness and life He gives through His holy Word and blessed Sacraments. Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Megan, Brian, Ethan, Iris, & Will
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought these your servants to new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, freeing them from sin: send upon them O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety; fill them with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Through Christ our Lord.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 