Lately, I’ve been able to do a little supply work, and when St. Pierre’s senior warden, Budd Manuel, asked me to celebrate Holy Eucharist on All Saints Sunday, I put it on my calendar. A couple of weeks before the service, Budd called again: “Are you up for a Baptism and Holy Eucharist?” I replied, “Of course. Who is getting baptized?” Budd paused and said, “We’re counting ten people.” I almost dropped my overpriced cell phone.

Budd explained there were many newcomers at St. Pierre’s, and several wanted to be baptized.

We discussed the logistics and paperwork, and I called the Rev. Deacon Linda Healy, who was scheduled to supply on the upcoming Sunday, to ask if she could speak with those seeking baptism about the meaning of the sacrament. She agreed to do that. The Rev. Deacon Adele Ledford, parish administrator Jean Morrison, and Budd helped with paperwork and the bulletin. Altar guild chairperson Mary Lou McBride and I discussed how best to set up for the sacrament.

On All Saints Sunday, I arrived very early for the 10:00 a.m. service to visit with the candidates, who all showed up, and we went over the service. Deacon Adele stood by my side to keep me on track.

Baptized were one infant, one two-year-old, seven tweens and teens, and one adult. We welcomed Lyla Farnum, Fiona Mae Hutton, Roland Hutton Jr., Roland Hutton III, Sabrina Ros-Lynn Hutton, Elvin James Pittman, Iris Evelyn Pittman, Layla Jean Pittman, Riggs Dunning, and Kourtlynn Thigpen into Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

This was a record number of baptisms for St. Pierre’s, and the most I’ve ever had the honor of baptizing. After the service, a joyful celebration took place in Bridges Hall.

St. Pierre’s has struggled over the last few years with the death of their beloved rector, the Rev. Dr. John Switzer. The parish was fortunate to call the Rev. Chris Schafer, who served until she became ill. We pray for Mother Chris’s return. As an assistant at St. Pierre’s, I, too, had to address a cancer, which is still being treated, and is finally being eradicated from my body (Harriett and I give thanks for all the prayers, and for God’s work through excellent doctors).

The point here is that, despite the lack of consistent clergy leadership and the reliance on supply priests, the congregation continues to do the work of Christ within its community of faith and in the larger community of Jackson County. Clergy are essential, but the congregation is most important. Individuals seek spiritual formation, find refuge and strength in church, and also strive to serve the church, revealing God’s love in Christ to a world that needs Christian witness.