SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 25, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

I’ve told this story many times: I remember my mother’s baptism. I was a little boy in the sanctuary of Worth Heights Baptist Church – actually little more than a darkened assembly hall in Fort Worth, Texas. I was with some neighbors as I watched my mother take the pastor's hand and step down into the pool. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and, though I couldn’t really hear what was being said, he placed his hand over her mouth and nose and lay her back. When she reappeared, the water fell in droplets from her long red hair. I recall the light caught in those droplets that reflected like jewels.

Not too long after that, I would stand behind the curtain and take Bro. McManus’ hand and step into the pool. This time I would hear some of the words as he cradled me in his arm, placed his hand over my nose and mouth and lowered me into the water. I recall him saying, "Cress, I baptize you in the name of the Father, ... and Holy Spirit!" I shook the water from my eyes.

Dear friends, in these times we need to remember, to witness, to share in the transformation, the adoption of Jesus’ own. This week we baptize Tucker Plotner. See you in Church –

In great anticipation,