Our lovely three boys were baptised today by full immersion at our Anglican church! It was the first time ever that a pool has been used in the church so it was not only a momentous occasion for us as a family but also for the whole church community. Three adults were also baptised with our boys. The boys all had the chance to say a little bit about why they wanted to be baptised. It was very moving to hear them say how they want to follow Jesus & want others to know they are Christians. They were all signed with a cross after their profession of faith & after questions to their Godparents & Lee & I had been answered. (Appologies for the substandard quality of the photos- I had to take piccies without a flash & I didn't quite get time to get the correct settings for aquatic activity! As always, click on the photos to see them better if you like!)
He came up after the dunking gasping for air & much flapping of arms for quite some time before he composed himself & declared 'I'm alright! I'm alright! That was actually VERY good!' The vicar, Malcolm, then prayed a prayer of blessing on him.
Timmy went next, already to hold his nose & his breath having seen Luke's experience!
Down he went....
....and came up flapping & gasping almost as much as his twin brother had! Lee said 'You can tell they're twins with their identical responses!'
Prayer of blessing before Timmy climbed out of the pool to find hid towel.
Timmy & Luke stood, beaming & shivering a little, while their big brother was baptised.
Down he went in a much more dignified manner....
....coming up from the water almost without flinching.
It's been a dream for Jordan for a long time to be baptised in a pool. So glad he & his brothers, as well as the three adults, had the opportunity to be baptised in this way & at this time.
Gorgeous, soaking wet boys enjoying watching the other people being baptised by their Daddy & the vicar.
After the boys had got changed into dry clothes they were given their baptism certificates & lit baptism candles.
There was nearly a small fire hazard as one candle almost caught it's box alight! It made us all laugh nervously as the curate jumped up from her seat pointing out the fire exits! Lee preached a cracking sermon (which I missed the end of as a certain young lady needed the toilet!). Lee used the poem Footprints & the song by Leona Lewis based on that poem as a focus for contemplation. He invited people to come up to the pool & use the baptismal water as a personal response to the unchanging, constant & faithful God who is with us whatever circumstances we find ourselves in throughout life. I found it very moving to put my hands in the water & feel it cooling, soothing & refreshing my skin as I cupped it in my hands & let it fall back into the pool. I felt it symbolic of God's Holy Spirit washing over me & restoring what life has broken & crushed. It is amazing to think that the King of all creation is interested in all the tiny details of each of our lives & that He longs to bring us peace, healing & wholeness to us all.
We were very blessed to have so many of our friends & family join us for the service. It was a real time of blessing & celebration. Here is a photo of the boys with some of their Godparents as well as Grandma & Auntie Helen (& Joyce playing flute in the background!). It was sad that not all those we love could be there to share the day with us, but we know that they were with us in spirit. The boys were very lucky to be given many beautiful cards, Bible verses & gifts. They are going to remember this day for many many years to come. We pray that it is the start of a life long walk with their Heavenly Father, who is the same yesterday, today & forever & who will never leave them or forsake them whatever choices they make or wherever life takes them. We love you boys & are so proud of you!
