Dear Rose Park,
Typically, when we hear or read the word vow, we think of a wedding. Images of a bride and groom standing at the altar making promises to love and care for one another in sickness and in health appear in our mind. However, vows are not limited to a wedding. As a Minister of Word and Sacrament, I made vows when I was ordained. Together, we made vows when I was installed as the pastor here at Rose Park. As we approach worldwide communion Sunday, I’ve been contemplating the vows we make when receiving new members into the family of God here at Rose Park.
The following is from our liturgy when receiving new members into the congregation:
(The minister addresses the candidate)
Minister: Do you promise to accept the spiritual guidance of the church, to walk in a spirit of Christian love with this congregation, and to seek those things that make for unity, purity and peace?
Candidate: I do.
(The minister addresses the congregation)
Minister: Do you promise to love, encourage, and support these brothers and sisters by teaching the gospel of God’s love, by being an example of Christian faith and character, and by giving the strong support of God’s family in fellowship, prayer, and service?
Congregation: We do.
These are vows. These are vows to be in a covenant relationship together. Vows to be vulnerable enough to accept guidance, walk in love, speak with truth, listen with empathy, and serve our God with our whole lives. Essentially, these vows communicate: I promise to pursue God, and I need your help to do that.
In all likelihood, you have made these vows, but perhaps you forgot the power, truth, and grace in these promises. Perhaps you’ve forgotten to walk in love, to seek unity, to teach the gospel of God’s love, to be an example of faith and character, and to support one another in fellowship, prayer, and service.
If that’s the case, then let this Sunday serve as a reaffirmation of your vows as a member of God’s family at Rose Park. Join us for worship and invite a friend on Worldwide Communion Sunday (10/6 at 10:00am) as we gather around the table of remembrance, communion, and hope to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and the joy of being a part of God’s family.
Grace & Peace,
