Washed in the Water

In Mi’kma’ki (the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people) the land is divided into seven districts. Of these seven, four tracks of land are described in relationship to water. So too, the land where the church sits, Halifax, is named in relationship to water. This sermon journeys through being in relation to water:

considering baptism and reflecting on local waters, Water’s teaching, and Creator’s gift.

 

Mi’kmaq is a verb-based language, difficult to translate into English. As we journey through the districts, I invite you to think about ‘things’ (nouns) as verbs, full of action, movement, and agency. Consider baptism a verb- not something that happened to you once, or a ritual one attends, but, rather, an ongoing occurrence.

The introduction to the baptism section in our hymn book reads:

Although a person is baptized once, the gift of baptism continues throughout a Christian’s life. p225, ELW

And later…

Washed in the water and marked with the cross, the baptized children of God are united with Christ and, through him, with other believers who together form a living community of faith. Although we are set free to live in love and faithfulness, we continue to turn away from God and from one another. Confessing our sin involves a continuing return to our baptism where our sinful self is drowned and dies, in the gift of forgiveness God raise us up again and again to new life in Jesus Christ. p 238

I visualize these words in the rise and fall of the tide. I hear these words in the continual ebbing and flowing of waves.  I smell these words in the salty wind. I feel the words in the clinging dampness and mist over the waters. Washed in the water and marked with the cross of Christ, the baptized children of God are united with Christ, and through him, with other believers who together form a living community of faith.

 

People who live in Atlantic Canada are in relationship with water.  Water affects us every day: the weather, creatures and their habitats, food that can be grown and gathered, leisure activities, work opportunities, travel.  So too, baptism -washed in the water- is to be water that daily affects every aspect of living and being.

 

Living surrounded by water – Water can be an example and a reminder to us, teaching us, and continually drawing us to the continued gift of baptism.

 

The land between NB and NS is known in Mi’kmaq as:  Siknikt – the Drainage Area.

This salt marsh is a unique ecosystem that filters water through its grasses. It is full of nutrients and food for many species. It is home to two bird sanctuaries, and millions of migratory waterfowl stop over to rest and eat their fill.

Washed in the water and marked with the cross of Christ this water teaches us that

All are welcome!  And this includes migrants, travelers, the seekers, the weary, the homeless, the hungry, those needing a safe place. All are welcome! And there is rich abundance to share.

 

Moving to the western part of NS is Kespukwik – the Last Flow.

This is the land defined by the coming and going of water in the Bay of Fundy. Every day there are two high and two low tides, that powerfully move 100 billion tons of water. The power is like that of 8000 train engines working together.  

Washed in the water and marked with the cross of Christ this water teaches us that life has highs and lows that powerfully affect us, our areas, and our communities.  The sheer volume of water that moves is astronomical and reminds us of the power of working together through the highs and lows to affect change; to wonder at the mystery of such power and to experience the Creator in the highs and in the lows. 

 

Moving to the East, in the Northumberland Straight is Epekwitk  – Laying in the Water.

This is the land of Prince Edward Island. For many it is an ocean playground, a place for relaxation, vacationing, time with family, time away – time to disconnect from being busy and reconnect with earth and water.

Washed in the water and marked with the cross of Christ ‘Laying in the Water’ teaches us that God holds us – offering a place, space, to right our relationships – to rediscover ourselves and the people around us, to reset connection to creation, to rest in the Spirit, to kindle gratitude.

 

Unama’kik aq Ktaqmkuk – are the Foggy Lands and the Land Across the Water.

This is the land of Cape Breton and Newfoundland. Both lands are picturesque with great vistas, and lands that are large rocks battered by storm and sea.

Washed in the water and marked with the cross of Christ fog and rough waters teach us to be aware, to be prepared, and to be ready to lend a hand. Life’s journey is not always clear decisions or worry-free sailing. There are those who loss their lives at sea. In the Foggy Lands and the Land Across the Water it is the people affected by water who teach us the value of community, neighbour-looking-out-for-neighbour, grieving together, rejoicing together, fishing or rescuing together.

 

K’jipuktuk-  the Great Harbour

This is Halifax. A naturally deep channel where ships can safely come to port.

Washed in the water and marked with the cross of Christ there is safe harbour. Although a physical place, consider the great Harbour as the Creator’s open arms. Unconditionally open to receiving ships coming off the seas. A port full of grace - whether love, forgiveness, kindness, redemption, salvation, wholeness.

 

Surrounded by ocean, Atlantic Canadians witness the continual coming and going of waves of water. A continual cleansing, a continual receiving and letting go.

Living – washed in the water- all are welcome, abundance is shared, the Creator is present in the highs and lows, together there is power to affect change, God holds us, relationships are righted, gratitude is kindled, we are prepared and aware – ready to lend a hand, to go fishing or rescuing together, the Creator (the Great Harbour) is open.

 

Baptism living is hearing the voice of the Great Harbour – you are my beloved – and being freed to sail, to come and go following the One who was baptized by John, walked on the water, and calmed the seas.

 

 

You are beloved – to you Fair winds and following seas.