Getting on with it ...

Cooper - as we approach your Baptism your Dad will say: Hear God’s Word written in the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Mark, beginning at the 13th verse.

They brought young children to Jesus, that He might touch them and bless them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought the children. When Jesus saw it, He was very displeased and said to the disciples, “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it.” And Jesus took the children up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Dear Cooper:

Ok - time to get on with walking through the service and your Baptism. After the proclamation of the Word we will join together in making a very old declaration of what we believe as Christians. It is very hard to summarize what Christians believe in a short statement of faith. There have been many attempts over the years. Historically we first hear of an "Apostles’ Creed" in a letter dated around 390 AD - a long time ago. Today Adda will sing a song that states 12 things Christians have believed to be indisputable truths from the very beginning of the Church - each statement comes from the Bible.

After this song I will read a statement telling what we believe about Baptism (ya, I know what you are thinking. It took me two weeks to do it and the prayer book does it in two paragraphs - I told you; if there is a long way I'll take it!). The prayer acknowledges that we are sinful, that we really need God, that He calls us to Baptism, and that Baptism is necessary for our salvation. We will all then pray together a very old prayer of surrender to God's will. Your dad will read for us from the Gospel (see above). And finally, we will come before God humbly and obediently in a prayer thanking Him for His redeeming work, asking Him to take us and make us His children, and claiming His promises in Baptism.

After this we will move on to the promises your God-parents are making to God. So that is for tomorrow.

Be blessed

t HE

Wednesday, January 25, 2017