Living Stone Kirkers,

I don't know if you have this sensation, but it feels like the weeks are now as short as days used to be. Must have something to do with inflation. This Sunday we will have a quite the crowd of baptisms. There will be two families bringing their children for baptism; one family you know (the Stofferahns), the other you probably don't. There is some "out of the ordinariness" here that requires an explanation. The Kuranagas have a family friend, the Cabale family; they live up near Sandpoint. They joyfully attend a non-denominational church there, but it is credo-baptist. You maybe can see where this is heading. The Cabales have gradually become convinced of the paedobaptist position, and requested that we facilitate the household baptism for a few of their kids, while a few of them will be baptized soon by profession of faith at their home church. Something like this could certainly cause drama at a small church, but I have touched base with their pastor and while his convictions obviously differ, he is not opposed to them having me baptize three of their children. So, this Sunday, show that warm Living Stone welcome to the Cabale family, and rejoice with them as they bring their children to be baptized. One other thing to note is that one of the children being baptized (12yo Josiah) has Down Syndrome.

One other aspect requires an explanation. When I ask you, the congregation, if you agree to undertake the responsibility of assisting these parents in their duty to raise these children, you might think, "Well, I'll likely rarely, if ever, see them?" So, bear in mind that that vow is no empty commitment, but the responsibility you are committed to is proportional. What I mean by that is that you have a responsibility to love, pray for, and bear with fellow saints. Some will be closer in proximity and relation, others will be further off. You have a greater responsibility to your niece that lives a few blocks away than to the children of our sister church in Brazil. You will also have more frequent occasions to assist those closer to you. But as Jesus taught us, the family of God gives to us brothers and sisters around the world, and when our paths cross, or the Spirit brings them to mind, we are to fulfill that great Christian duty: love one another. Which I am pleased to say you are a congregation that does this extraordinarily well.

Now, here are some reminders of things you need to have on your calendar:

With that, hope you have a lovely weekend. Looking forward to worshipping with you all this Lord's Day.

For His renown,

Pastor Ben