jim and i presented james, along with dann and nancy, the kids' godparents; we renounced sin and and affirmed our faith on james' behalf. the congregation read a responsive liturgy reaffirming faith as well, that is a mix of the nicene creed and vows to continue in love, fellowship, repentence, service, envangelism, justice, and peace, answering, "i will. with God's help." the whole thing is powerful, and i thought i'd share a bit here:
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Open his heart to your grace and truth.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Fill him with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Send him into the world in witness to your love.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Bring him to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life. We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Baptism
James Edward, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
James, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever. Amen.
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
=======
yes, Lord. let it be so.
jim's side of the family: aunt christie, ristow, poppy, jessica, and grammy
(a bunch of photos were snapped, but unfortunately not on my camera.
i don't even have a great shot of james!)
aunt b and d
we don't have any family nearby, and the kids' godparents live out in brooklyn. having everyone together this weekend to celebrate was really wonderful.
image credit-------
have a story to share of life along the journey? read more about the idea behind ShoutLaughLove here, and link up a post every tuesday.
1 comment:
I remember attending your church a couple of times. I loved it. Sounds like it was a beautiful baptism. :)
Post a Comment