Father, we rejoice together this day as we hear Neal and Veronica’s testimonies and of your mercy in the gift of salvation. We are reminded that we are all sinners saved only by your grace. We are those who have received the free offer to come to you with our burdens of sin, to take your yoke upon ourselves so that we might find rest for our souls-the rest that can only come from being reconciled to you through Christ. 

We celebrate today, as your body, these professions of faith of Jesus as Lord and Savior and the assurance we have in him. You have given us the act of baptism as the perfect illustration of the gospel, painting a picture of Christ’s work and power-his death, burial and resurrection. It is a reminder of our pledge of submission to your authority-our commitment to you and to one another for the building of your church. Each of us-separately and together, are running the race, you have set before us-looking to Jesus and ministering to one another in his name. When we struggle, as we certainly will, we call to mind the words of the prophet Jeremiah and have hope because your steadfast love that never ceases, and your mercies that never come to an end-they are new every morning. Your faithfulness is indeed great and for that may we be eternally grateful.  

We give thanks this day for your gift of salvation and the privilege of sharing it together as your body on this earth - it is in Christ’s name that we give thanks today and every day -Amen