Service of Baptismal Remembrance ‘affirms God’s gift of Baptism’

By Gretchen Roberts

The Rev. William Weedon, LCMS director of Worship and International Center chaplain, recites the Baptismal Remembrance at the June 24 closing service. (LCMS Communications)

ST. LOUIS (July 24, 2013) — Based on the Easter Vigil service in Lutheran Service Book, tonight’s Service of Baptismal Remembrance that closed out the business of the day was a reminder of the gifts given in Baptism.

“The Easter Vigil service, where this liturgy is taken from, is a fabulous celebration of our Baptism into Christ and of the gift of new life that Baptism gives us,” said the Rev. William Weedon, LCMS director of Worship and International Center chaplain. “We remember that Baptism is not only a washing but also a means in which we’re joined to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Baptism is our womb and our tomb.”

LCMS convention delegates were invited to retrieve a “bibelot,” a small reminder of Baptism, from the font after the June 24 service. (LCMS Communications)

Following the service, delegates were invited to pick up a bibelot, a “small object of curiosity, beauty or rarity,” from the baptismal font. In this case, the bibelot is a small red trinket stamped with a design signifying a “fruit of the Spirit,” recalling the blood of Christ and Baptism’s ongoing fruit in Christians’ lives as the Holy Spirit works in them.

The 65th Regular Convention of the LCMS is meeting July 20-25 at the America’s Center Convention Complex under the theme “Baptized for This Moment.” Among convention participants are some 1,200 clergy and lay voting delegates.