TLDR: The Baptismal Font is a place where public Christian journeys began; it can be a space for hospitality as well. 

In the Episcopal Church we have symbols that accompany our Sacraments. Not long after ordination when I was at a clericus meeting (a group of clergy that meet in a region of The Diocese) our leader spoke of the importance of the church altar. This altar is not a place where we set our keys, cell phones, or other items, instead it is a place where we remember Christ’s teachings, sacrifice, and his resurrection. We do this by remembering that Christ was on an altar for us at one time: the altar looked like a cross, however, it was a sacrifice made for our own good. Jesus spoke of his sacrifice at the Last Supper with his Disciples.^[1] When someone approaches the altar at worship, they exhibit reverence with a small bow.^[2] It is not because the altar is holy, however, it is the place where we center our worship. In fact, one of the first in-person services that I attended at St. Dunstan’s was Fr. Roldan’s instillation as well as the dedication of the new altar at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.

The two main sacraments of the church are Baptism and Eucharist. In the same way that The Altar serves as a holy place where the sacrament of eucharist occurs, the Baptismal Font is the holy place where the sacrament of baptism is administered. It is the place where someone comes to recognize how their life is different because of their belief in Christ. Throughout history, the Baptismal font was hidden in closets unless there was a Baptism taking place.^[3] As a new wave of liturgical renewal happened, we saw an addition to the Church: The Baptismal Font came out of storage and into a place of prominence. I love that at St. Dunstan’s, the Font is right at the entrance of the church. Seeing people dip their hand into the water to remember their baptism is a sign of great joy to me.

As such, I have a confession (I feel this is a good way to begin Easter). A few weeks ago, we began having flyers placed on the Baptismal Font. Every week. This was not just a few flyers; it was many flyers. If I were a visitor to St. Dunstan’s or a new Christian, I would assume that this was a table with water in it and might miss the holiness, which takes place before the font. So, I asked Dede to say something to the ushers to effectively communicate the importance of placing flyers on the tables rather than the font. I am not going to chew someone's head off if they put a leaflet on the font. I was hoping we could recognize the holiness of that space.

When a new worship space is dedicated, the Baptismal Font is one of the items dedicated first in a space.^[4] It is our entrance into the church and our entrance into a life with Christ. The font symbolizes the dedication of our life to Christ. Jesus was Baptized and we follow his example to mark the inward grace that has taken place in our life: we live in and for Christ.

Think back to Baptisms that you have seen (we had four on Saturday and one on Sunday that you can witness). Those Baptisms are the places where individuals recognized themselves (or someone recognized for them) that they are beginning a new life in Christ. They recognize a belief in God, the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the apostles' teachings, turning away from evil, future repentance, when necessary, their devotion to proclaiming The Gospel, and respecting the dignity of every human being.^[5] Likely, there was a moment like this for you as well. It is a Holy Moment that occurred at a place with Holy Water.

So, my friends in Christ, I was the one who complained. I am not saying that putting flyers on the Baptismal Font is a cardinal sin (we do not have those in The Episcopal Church). I am saying that we are thoughtful people and where we place items matters. I have never encountered anything except hospitality when I entered the doors of St. Dunstan’s from the ushers to the parishioners. I think by placing flyers and bulletins in a different spot it gives the message of hospitality to each person who enters the doors.

For His Sake,

Mtr. Beth Anne +

^[1] Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–38

^[2] http://www.allsaintsclinton.org/episcopal-worship-faq.html#:~:text=(1)%20The%20altar%20is%20the,to%20keep%20our%20country%20free.

^[3] Meyer, R.A. (2000).  Continuing the Reformation: Re-Visioning Baptism in The Episcopal Church. New York: Church Publishing.

^[4] Hatchett, M.J. (1980). Commentary on the American Prayer Book. New York: Seabury. pp.546ff

^[5] The Book of Common Prayer (1979). New York: Church Publishing.