It seems to me that we have had enough theological arguments for awhile.  So I'm starting this thread on something much more practical.  I'm particularly interested in hearing about how you as individuals and the parishes you attend are living the Baptismal Covenant, with emphasis on the practical last 3 questions.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being?


My parish works with the local homeless shelter, doing dinners twice a month for all residents.  The food and time are donated by the parish community.

In addition, I facilitate a group for people grieving deaths every Monday, nine months of the year which is open to the entire community. 

I think most of the problem in the church today is because the focus has largely been reduced to that last question instead of the entire baptismal covenant.

May 29, 2012 -- 9:20PM, LitanyoftheSaints wrote:

May 29, 2012 -- 8:59PM, GRobit625 wrote:

I think most of the problem in the church today is because the focus has largely been reduced to that last question instead of the entire baptismal covenant.

Huh? Care to elaborate on this?

My small, but active church has an active outreach  program that is involved with the local food bank, plus we collect food for the needy all year long, we also donate to 2 homeless shelters and collect fleece blankets for cancer patients.

I'll elaborate. How many people bother quoting other parts of the covenant besides those parts that the OP mentioned?

Once a month, I'm the Greeter at my church's food pantry.

Many of our patrons need to be *seen* and are treated with respect and compassion.  Pantry volunteers also have the option of offering to put an individual's name on the lists for the prayer chain. (I did this last week for a man who was out of work & who broke down in tears when he mentionned that, on top of that, his dog had died.) 

Since our distribution point is in our chapel, we get comments & questions about both the  building(s) and the worship services we have.  And there is a supply of Bibles to give if someone asks for one.

I think we--in this particular ministry--do much to feed bodies and souls.

BTW, that day we passed out groceries to feed 160 people. [We were open for a 2 hour period.]

Re: "souperism" --- the missionaries did a similar practice in China.  They offered a bowl of rice to Chinese who were willing to convert --- hence "rice Christians".  IMVHO, it's a totally anti-gospel and sleezy practice.