24 August 2010

It was quite a Sunday!

At the end of the 10:30 service 17 people professed their Baptism vows, including 6 who became professing members of the Church.  Following the service at the Church building, a large group of people traveled to the Baldwin home for Baptisms in their pool and a picnic.

The oppressive heat broke during the week, and the day was sunny and 80 with low humidity.  It was simply perfect. Eight older children, who had taken a 12 week Baptism class, along with 2 youth and 7 adults, who had counseled personally with me, were baptized, surrounded by a joyful congregation of people.

Musicians sang between baptisms, and each person baptized was given an embroidered white Baptism towel to commemorate the solemn rite.  There was a joyful sense of God's presence.  Love and rejoicing was the order of the day.  Many stayed with picnic lunches for fellowship, swimming and free ice cream!  Tables from the church and tents (for shade) courtesy of Bob and Kathy Burris were welcome touches for the afternoon.

It is an incredible privilege to lead folks in public profession of their faith, to Baptize them, and to lay hands on and pray for each one immediately following the Baptism.  The combination of our profession (I belong to you, Lord!) and God's gracious claiming of us (Yes, you are my child, whom I love!) makes Baptism a powerful experience in our lives, and in the life of our Church.

Every time it happens, the meaning and joy of Baptism gets sweeter and sweeter.  Thanks be to God!