Baptism … now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, … (1 Peter 3:21)

New parents are bombarded with lists of “necessities” for their baby! Everyone has recommendations for the best car seat, stroller, and diapers, as well as differing opinions on feeding and sleeping schedules. Realizing many things are essential to the physical well-being of a newborn, the Christian parent is also concerned about the child’s spiritual needs.

As cute as this tiny baby is, sin separates the child from its Creator. God’s plan to redeem us meant sending His own Son to conquer sin by dying for us on the cross. That new life comes to us through the Holy Spirit in Baptism.  “Baptism … now saves you … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Parents present the baby entrusted to them to the mercy of the Eternal Father. By grace, Baptism is a means of salvation by which the Holy Spirit produces faith in the child. The child receives the sign of the cross and assurance of life forever. That is the best gift parents can give their precious child.

• For dads – Dear Lord, we come to you with prayers for the family and friends of Keith Knuth, whose father Ken died last week. Lord, draw Ken’s loved ones closer to You that they cling to You as their Savior and the only way to heaven.  We include also Jerry Martens, Scott’s father, who suffered a severe heart attack and is now in a coma.  In your wisdom, care for him to either restore him to health or take him home.
• For Nate Diener (Judy’s daughter & Annette’s nephew and godchild) – we ask for progress in a difficult journey.  He’s been at Froedert for most of the fall, now in ICU, including a tracheotomy to help him breathe better.  We seek your guidance for his med team and family AND for God’s good and gracious will and timing to be done in the months (and hopefully years) ahead.
• Prayers for Janet Stirmel Recent back injections and upcoming radioactive ablasions this Friday on one side of her back for pain.  Risks are high since she needs to be off of her blood thinners.  She’s had a few minor strokes a few years ago.  We pray for success and relief.
• Ron Telega, at the VA Hospital unable to walk due to pressure in his spine.  He faces surgery soon.  Remind him of your truth, your grace, your love.
• We offer thanksgiving with Pat and Christie Wetzel as they celebrate their 21st anniversary and we continue to ask Your blessing on their family as they build on Your unconditional love.  May this be only one of many milestones along the path of life together in Your love.
• Tom & Sarah Grisar – close friends of the Gahan family, with three daughters.  She has stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread to other internal organs.  We ask for a good treatment program with positive results and strength for the road ahead.
• Aunt Phyllis, great aunt to Dan Sauer (his grandmother’s sister) who now reached her goal, and received the crown of glory.  We thank you, Jesus, for your eternal victory over sin, death and the grave.

Military Services – Holy Spirit, only you can bring lasting peace to our world. Because of sin we rely on our military as your vehicle to help keep order in this imperfect world. Give our soldiers and their families your consolation and encouragement so that they stay strong and firmly rooted in the Word and sacraments. Give us new ways to reach out to those wounded in body or soul. Amen.