Lately my husband, Bryan, and I have been drawn into conversations with non-Christian friends about ritual, and what it means, and what its purpose is. What are these touch points in the life of Christians that bind together those of us who are inked, pierced, professional, blue collar, student, grandparent, rich and poor - who, outside of our relation to Jesus, would not likely find ourselves socializing in the same circles?

As a child who grew up in the church, and even as a young adult, I participated in a lot of Christian rituals that held no meaning for me personally. Communion and baptism and church attendance were simply things I did because they were expected of me.

But as Jesus continued to break down my apathy and draw me to himself, the ritual of baptism came alive to me again, reminding me that I am no longer enslaved to my sin:

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-4).

The Word declares that I am a participant in the death of Christ. And the Word declares that I am participating in His resurrection.

Together this Friday at Alki Beach in West Seattle, the body of Christ at Mars Hill will celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, and all this means for His redeemed as we remember our own death and resurrection. It is one of the many Christian rituals that gathers all walks of life together in one space for one purpose: to worship Jesus Christ.

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For specific information on parking, times, and location for the baptism, please go here. Consider carpooling, and definitely use the park and ride shuttle service.