Ep 114 - Maybe Baptism is about Showing Up for Your Neighbor with Meta Herrick Carlson

When we welcomed back Meta Herrick Carlson in December to discuss her children's book called We Remember Your Baptism, we never knew how much more timely her words would become by January.Meta is a Minnesota pastor helping children understand and cherish their baptismal stories, which sounds simple until you realize how many of us have NO idea what our baptism even meant or why it matters. She worked with her illustrator Clara to create something that helps families hold onto these sacred moments in ways that actually stick.But here's where the conversation gets deeper: We talked about what baptism means for community. What it means for her Minneapolis neighborhood right now. With ICE presence and everything else happening, the question isn't just "do you remember your baptism?" It's “Do you remember whose you are? And who's got you?"Meta shares her unique pastoral experiences with baptism (and trust us, pastors have STORIES), and we dive into the importance of mutual aid, showing up for each other, and what it actually looks like to live into your baptismal promises when the world feels heavy.This episode is about memory, yes. But it's also about belonging, community support, and the power of knowing you're claimed by God and by your people.PREORDER META’S BOOK: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9798889836490/We-Remember-Your-Baptism00:02 Meet the Guest: Meta Herrick Carlson01:57 Meta’s New Book: We Remember Your Baptism03:07 The Creative Process Behind the Book05:48 Choosing the Right Illustrator08:42 Personal Reflections on Baptism13:13 The Power of Storytelling in Faith15:17 Hope for the Book's Impact15:38 Personal Reflections on Children's Books16:55 Baptism Rituals and Traditions18:32 Book Release and Promotions20:53 Community and Social Justice22:48 ICE Presence and Community Response25:36 Faith and Social Responsibility27:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts