The congregation members at Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry celebrated a special family baptism this past Sunday, February 2, 2020. A kindergartner in their school, Jackson, along with his father and sister, Michael and Elizabeth, were all baptized.

“We are at the point in our school year where we have heard the story of Jesus’ baptism as well as learned by heart the words of the Catechism about baptism,” says Pastor Mark Buetow. “It was Jackson who has been asking to be baptized, and since his dad and sister weren’t yet, well, we had to include them too!”

From Luther’s Small Catechism:

What is Baptism?

Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

What does Baptism give or profit?

It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

The Holy Spirit worked through the staff and students at Zion Lutheran School to create faith–a faith which says, “What prevents me from being baptized?” like the Ethiopian who Philip ministered to in Acts chapter 8. By baptism, the family was welcomed into God’s family. Thanks be to God!

Why Shouldn’t I Be Baptized?