Baptism Joy

One of the things about ministry that has consistently (over 25 years of ministry!) given me joy is particpating in baptisms. Philosophically, it touches on a main reason I’m in thebusiness, to welcome people into the community, into a new family of God and to help people realize they are beloved by God. There is no greater joy for me as a pastor.

I wanted to share some of the moments of this past Sunday’s baptism that made me smile in the moment and filled my heart with lasting joy.

Isaac-Asher is about 1 ½ years old and is very comfortable in the church. He loves (on a normal Sunday) to climb the chancel stairs and he was in good form during his baptism. One of my favorite things was during the liturgy, he was busy walking on the chancel steps, behind his parents and godparents and as I asked the adults the required questions, his little voice would respond. For example:

Pastor K: (to the parents and godparents): “Do you vow this morning to love, respect and appreciate this child before you? If you agree, please say ‘I do.’”

Adults, loudly and with excitement: “I DO!.”

Isaac-Asher, in a small voice. : “i do.”

And he continued throughout all seven questions. :)

One of the other highlights of the baptism was that Issac-Asher’s big brother, JD read the scripture for the service. He has just finished the second grade and was so thrilled to be reading at the lectern - on a stepstool where only his head was visible . His voice was strong and he read with amazing clarity, Psalm 65: 9-13 from the message bible. Many adults had tears in their eyes and they listened to his little voice praise the God of creation and the amazing last verse:

“Let them shout, and shout, and shout!  Oh, oh, let them sing!”

There were many other moments of joy, but the other one I wanted to highlight is that Isaac-Asher’s family and friends were present and that means cousins at Children’s Time! Patty was so good with them and it was so sweet to have them join Patty and Henry for the day. :)