While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them. ~ Acts 19:1-7
When were you baptized? Where were you baptized? By whom?
For me, it was October 3rd, 1965. I was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Hartford, Connecticut by Pastor Rotvig. My godparents were my uncle Alan and my aunt Ruth.
You can see a picture of the lovely baptismal font where it happened here on the church's website, as well as some information about it. https://www.graceistheplace.org/who-we-are
As I read about my baptismal congregation, I am awed by what seems to be a thriving multicultural ministry there. It touches me that I can connect my heritage to such a place.
The Spirit truly is alive at Grace!
It is a place where a diverse mix of God's people is at work together, living into their baptismal promises.
That's what the Spirit does at our baptism: brings us together into God's family and supplies us with gifts that will prepare us as children and servants of the most Holy One.
And as ministers to God's people.
These disciples who Paul preached to were drawn by that Spirit into that family and ministry. John's baptism started things for them, but Paul showed them that their journey had only just begun!
You have washed me clean, O God. Now, set me loose to fly in service to your world! Amen