What a blessing it was to be present Sunday, with a band of fellow pilgrims, as we welcomed our new brother, Peyton, into The Family!  These are special and holy moments which I hope we recognize and celebrate.

Don't forget that this coming Sunday, September 15, is National Back To Church Sunday.  It's the perfect time to invite someone to join you at Church.  I know that we are all looking forward to meeting everyone's guests on Sunday, and showing them that TOCC is THE place where they belong!

 As we learned Sunday, all believers in Christ are part of the "royal priesthood".  The barriers that restricted entry into the priesthood in ancient Israel to a lucky few no longer exist.  But, in ancient Israel, those who served as priests first went through a ritual washing.  Then, they put on special garments.  Then, they were anointed.

 Does any of that sound familiar?  Of course!  To enter into the "royal priesthood" of all those who believe in Christ, we begin with a washing - baptism.  We then put on a special garment - Christ Himself: "All who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes" - Gal. 3:27.  We each then receive the anointing of The Holy Spirit: "And you have an Anointing [that is, The Holy Spirit] from the Holy One" - 1 John 2:20.  Don't you love The Scriptures?    

 So, welcome, all of you, to the priesthood!  I pray that we will all embrace our calling as “royal priests”. 

~Shepherd Ambrose Ramsey