Epiphany I/Baptism of our Lord Small Group Questions

If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Mt 3:13-17

1. Do you remember your own baptism? If not, what is your earliest memory around baptism - yours or anothers? What is your earliest memory of baptism within the community of faith?
2. Fr. Mike spoke to the historical aspect of baptism. Historically, baptisms were with full immersions. Today, we have sprinkling, pouring or immersion. What are your thoughts around these types of baptisms? In what ways do each of these symbolize - or struggles to symbolize - the meaning of baptism?
3. Baptism is a sacrament - 'an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.' Our Catechism states that in baptism this inward spiritual grace is 'union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit' (BCP 858). Discuss each of these aspects of the grace of baptism. Which speaks to you most deeply?
4. As baptized persons, we are members of the Church. Our Catechism states that the duty of Christians - the members of the Church - is to 'follow Christ, come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God' (BCP 856). How are you living into your duty as a baptized member of the Church?
5. Today the church works to find the balance between making baptism available to all and requiring an appropriate amount of preparation on the part of those seeking baptism so that the import of the sacrament is duly conveyed and understood. Where do you fall on this continuum? What was your experience in this regard when you sought baptism for yourself or your loved ones?