PLAYING IN THE WATER AT
CHRISTUS REX
She was an edgy young woman who simply showed up at worship one Sunday.
A red streak in her hair, eyes dancing, and a measure of self confidence
that was intriguing. She was at UND
to become a jet pilot.
Jenny had some friends who hung out liturgically at Christus Rex so she
was here to see what was working for them. She
was seldom alone because Jenny was a joy to be around and her friendship system
was strong.
After a few weeks she asked, “Why do you talk about baptism so much?”
So we visited about God’s amazing grace that welcomes us into the
community of faith through baptism. “Could
I be baptized?” she asked. “Of
course,” we responded and so we planned some time of faith inquiry.
“Can I bring some friends?” “Sure,”
we said and for six weeks Jenny, Paul, and three other friends gathered with us
to explore the treasures of the faith and the gift of Baptism.
Paul was a preacher’s kid so as we talked together would tell stories
of family faith development experiences that he remembered.
We remembered and told our own baptismal stories.
The day of Baptism came for Jenny. Four
sponsors stood with her that morning, cheering her on as we splashed water and
spoke of God’s promise. It was an
amazing day, when the community of faith grew a little deeper and a little wider
and we were grateful for Jenny and what it meant to be part of such a baptismal
family.
We hear from Jenny from time to time.
She is active in the church, flying jets and continuing to play in the
water.
ND Lutheran Campus Ministry