Inclusion with love is WHAT WE BELIEVE.
When Mother Nancy is asked what we believe (and it’s a good question!) she often speaks about our Baptismal Covenant. While it isn’t everything regarding what we believe, it’s an excellent outline of our faith and our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ.
At every baptism and certain times throughout the year, we renew our Baptismal Covenant. Notice that this is done in a question-and-answer format. The first section of our covenant is an outline of our faith and what we believe and is patterned after the Apostles Creed. We answer the questions with an “I do.” The last five questions reflect how we are committed to live out our faith as Christians. What’s interesting is the response changes to: “I will, with God’s help.” We’re never in this alone nor do it perfectly. Thankfully, we’re a community of believers with God as our guide, our strength, and our source of peace.
Read over the Baptismal Covenant and if you have any questions or insights, share them with Mother Nancy. She always welcomes a conversation about our spiritual journey.
Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People: I do.
Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.
If you’d like to learn more about what we believe, take a look at this article from the Episcopal Church.