UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF THE PINES
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    • Special Mission Focus - Organizations supported by Church of the Pines that work to eliminate food insecurity.
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    • A Feast of Faith: The Story of Our Harvest Dinners at Church of the Pines
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  • Faith & Reflection
    • Remembering Our Baptism
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​Remembering Our Baptism
A week of quiet reflection
Over the next few days, we'll share a short series of reflections on baptism.
Not as something we "check off" long ago— but as a promise that still shapes who we are today.
Whether you remember your baptism clearly, only know the story, or are still wondering what faith means for you…these reflections are for you.
Each day offers a few words to pause with--
to breathe, remember, and listen.
No pressure.
No perfect answers required.
Just space to reflect, and a reminder that grace comes first.
We invite you to come back each day and remember with us.

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Remembering Our Baptism — A Week That Still Speaks

Over the past seven days, we paused together to remember baptism.
We remembered that grace comes before we get anything right.
That we belong.
That faith can feel fragile—and still be held.
That we are never meant to walk this journey alone.
That baptism calls us not just to remember, but to live what was promised.
And that grace… never lets go.
If you joined us for even one of these reflections, we're grateful.
If you read quietly and didn't comment, you were still part of it.
If you're just finding this now, the invitation remains.
This is the kind of space we hope to offer here--
a place to pause, breathe, reflect, and remember that you are held by grace.
If these reflections spoke to you, we invite you to continue the journey with us.
There is always room for you here.


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Day 7 – Wednesday
Grace That Doesn’t Let Go

Life changes.
We change.
But the grace poured out in baptism does not.
It does not loosen its grip when life is hard.
It does not disappear when faith feels complicated.
You are still claimed.
You are still loved.

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Day 6 – Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Living What Was Promised

Baptism doesn’t stay in the past.
It lives in daily choices--
kindness offered,
forgiveness practiced,
love extended when it would be easier not to.
Every day is another chance to live what was promised.

How might you live your baptism today?

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Day 5 – Monday - January 12, 2026
You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone

In baptism, a promise is made—not just by God, but by a community.
A promise to walk together.
To show up.
To carry faith when one another feels tired.
Faith was never meant to be lived alone.

Who has helped carry you in faith?
Who might God be calling you to walk alongside?

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Day 4 – Sunday - Baptism Sunday - January 11, 2026
Come and Remember


On Baptism Sunday, we remember that God's grace comes first
—and continues to meet us every day.
Today, we celebrate Baptism.
We celebrate new beginnings—and we remember our own.
Not as something finished long ago,
but as a promise that still holds us.
You don't have to have it all figured out.
You only have to come.
Wherever you are on your journey, there is a place for you here.

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Day 3 – Saturday, January 10, 2026
God's Promise, Not Our Perfection

​Baptism isn't about having it all figured out.
It's about trusting God's promise to walk with us—always.
Long before we can choose God, God chooses us.
Where have you experienced God's faithfulness, even when your faith felt small?

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Day 2 – Friday, January 9, 2026
You Belong
​

At some point in life, many of us start to wonder:
Do I really belong?
Baptism answers that question before it's ever asked.
You belong before you understand.
You belong before you believe perfectly.
You belong before you feel worthy.
Nothing can undo what love has already claimed.
What would change if you lived today as someone who truly belongs?
Come back tomorrow.

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Day 1 – Thursday - January 8, 2026
​
Before You Did Anything Right​
Before you learned how to pray.
Before you knew the right words.
Before you got it together - or fell apart.

God already said yes to you.

Baptism reminds us that grace comes first.
Always.

Even now - right where you are - God is still saying yes.

Pause. Breathe. 

​Tomorrow, we'll remember what it means to belong.
  • About
    • Vision, Mission, and Core Values of Church of the Pines
    • Welcome
    • From the Pastor
    • Staff & Leadership >
      • Ministry Council
  • Worship
    • Worship Services
    • Connect Card
    • Worship Videos
  • Programs & Classes
    • Bible & Book Studies
  • Giving
    • Make a Gift
  • Mission Matters
    • Special Mission Focus - Organizations supported by Church of the Pines that work to eliminate food insecurity.
    • Mission Focus: Impact 2024
    • Lakeland Pantry Tour - February 3, 2025
  • Newsletter
  • Past Newsletters
  • Ministries
    • Stephen Ministry
  • Prayer Requests
  • Church Calendar
  • Altar Flowers
  • Special Church Events
    • A Feast of Faith: The Story of Our Harvest Dinners at Church of the Pines
  • Church Directory
  • Event/Room Usage Form
  • Photos & Videos
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Christmas Eve 2024 Highlights
  • Faith & Reflection
    • Remembering Our Baptism
    • 12 New Year's Resolutions for 2026
  • Worship Videos