Presbyterians Today, January/February 2023

Baptism, grace and sacred pauses

Feature Highlight: New beginnings begin at the font

January is a month when people embrace new beginnings. It is a time to start fresh or even start over. Resolutions are written down and the Christmas season ends with the feast of Epiphany, Jan. 6. It is a day to remember not only the Magi’s faithful following of the nativity star, but to also begin seeing God in flesh in the way of Christ working among us. But on the heels of Epiphany is an often-overlooked celebration that can have a meaningful impact on one’s faith — the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Sunday. On this day, congregations not only recall how Jesus’ ministry began with his baptism, but they are also reminded how baptism is an important beginning for them as well. The Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell explores ways to observe this day and offers insight on how the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday ties in nicely with Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations.

Also in this issue:

Grace is amazing, so why isn’t there more of it? | Rest as a spiritual discipline | Congregations advocate for the transgender community | Church cares for all God’s creatures with plans for an animal shelter

Item Number: 17116-23-001

Pricing:

1–2      $6.95

3+        $2.00