A Word from Pastor Melanie

January 2025

I was baptized when I was 10 days old at Monona Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in Monona, Wisconsin, offered up to a life of faith by my mom and dad, and my sponsors Aunt Lynn, Uncle Cliff, and Aunt Gail.

When were you baptized? Where? Who was there with you? Were you dunked or sprinkled? Were you a baby, a pre-teen, an adult?

However it happened, whatever human acts occurred, whichever pastor baptized you – all of that doesn’t matter. What really makes all the difference is what God did and continues to do. God has a claim on your life. Forever. In your baptism, the Holy Spirit came to live inside of you and remain there for all time.

On page 228 in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book (the red one in the pews at church!), you’ll find certain baptismal promises that lie within the rite. Those who presented you for baptism promised some things on your special day:

 To live with you among God’s faithful people

 To help you hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper

 To lead you to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed

 To assist you in serving all people, following the example of Jesus

 To help you to strive for justice and peace in all the earth

By this time, all the Christmas gifts have been unwrapped. Over this New Year 2025, let’s unwrap the promises given to us as a gift in our baptisms. Together, let’s learn about these, take them to heart and see how they can – and are – making our lives different every day. Happy New Year, Christus Victor!

Peace, Pastor Melanie