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Today is Commitment Sunday in the Salvation Army UK, and in the Christian calendar it’s the celebration of the Baptism of Christ. This gives me an opportunity to share one of my favourite paintings (to be found in the National Gallery, London) and a hymn which brings both events together.

Christ, when for us You were baptized,
God’s Spirit on You came,
as peaceful as a dove and yet
as urgent as a flame.

God called you his belovèd Son,
called you his servant too;
his kingdom you were called to preach,
his holy will to do.

Straightway and steadfast until death
you then obeyed his call
freely as Son of Man to serve
and give your life for all.

Baptize us with your Spirit, Lord,
your cross on us be signed,
that, likewise in God’s service, we
may perfect freedom find.

It was good on the first Sunday of 2011 to be able to sing one of my favourite hymns: Lord, for the years… by Timothy Dudley-Smith. All of the words are inspiring and challenging, but I especially like the words of the last verse as it brings together past, present and future.

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today.

Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us:
Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.

Lord, for our land in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world where we disown and doubt you,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us-
self on the cross, and Christ upon the throne,
past put behind us, for the future take us:
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.

I have a theory about choosing a church! It’s firmly tongue-in-cheek, but with an element of truth! Yes, you need culturally relevant and uplifting spiritual worship! Yes, you need a challenging Bible message that relates the timeless truths to the reality of the world today! Yes, you need a warm welcome and true Christian fellowship! But, ultimately, it comes down to the quality of the after service refreshments!

When I visit a church and make my way to the refreshments, only to be confronted with Rich Tea biscuits and cheap coffee – my heart sinks! Digestive biscuits and decent instant coffee are a minimum requirement! Hobnobs are even better, chocolate hobnobs are a big improvement, and specialist biscuits from Marks and Spencer with real coffee is the height of church refreshments! I was pleased to share in a Sunday Eucharist at Leicester Cathedral this morning. The worship was good, the Bible message excellent, the fellowship warm, and the refreshments included chocolate digestive biscuits with fresh coffee! Well done Leicester Cathedral!

Note: Since I posted this a friend on Twitter pointed out some evidence for my theory!