Baptism Weekend!

(Many thanks to Eric & Jim for taking pics & videos.  Without their help, there would be no documentation of the morning...literally.)

I am not articulate enough to convey how special this weekend was for us.  The baptisms of my three children have been the most special moments of their lives to me, aside from their actual births.  I have felt God's arm around us as a family and have been moved beyond words each time. 

Grandparent participation has been part of that emotion, as has our relationship with the two Pastors we've had at the time (John Bell for Andrew in Denver, Tom Goodrich in Charlottesville for Margaret and Matthew).  Mom read the prayer that was used at my Baptism.  Words are below as it is too beautiful a prayer not to share, as many congregants mentioned after the service.  Susan read the questions to the congregation each time and Dad wrapped up the sacrament with a moving solo, "I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry".  The lyrics are also below.  I read them often as they are such a touching reminder of the seasons of life and our Lord's love through them all.

The gown sweet Matthew David wore was the gown each of my sisters and nieces wore.  Since Emily and I obviously couldn't wear the same gown, I was given one by Dad's cousin---Rachel Elizabeth---to wear.  Matthew is bigger than Andrew and Margaret were and at 3.5 months, was a few weeks older than they were for this celebration, but the gown---with the tiniest little neck!---still fit (although I did leave the top button open just to ensure we avoided any accidental strangulation). 

As pictures below depict, the kids could not have done any better.  Matthew, who was woken up to be doused with cold water by a virtual stranger, didn't even flinch.  Impressive, as Pastor Tom pointed out, because Tom does not hold back with the water!  Andrew and Margaret dutifully followed Tom as he carried Matthew around the sanctuary.  Margaret reached for Andrew's hand in the most precious way and they continued to listen attentively for the entire 10-minute sacrament.  I consider it a complete success since I was the only person in our family crying:) It all started when Tom pointed out that the name Matthew means Gift from God---and boy, is he ever that. 

Bill Stackhouse (Clerk, whom most met) and Tom both emailed later to say what a wonderful picture of family we gave the church Sunday.  Mary Goodrich texted me Sunday night, "Your Mom's prayer was beautiful and your Dad singing...oh, my!".  That just about sums it up.  We sincerely thank all family who were there (in person or in spirit) to support Matthew. 

Matthew doesn't know what happened Sunday, but we will raise him to understand, and convey the importance of his growing relationship with our Lord. 

Many thanks to Eric for the photos below, and to Jim for video-taping (if you don't see videos below, it's because I'm still having trouble getting them to upload properly).  Sadly, I failed to get our family picture or a group photo, but I'm thankful for the documentation we do have. And I couldn't have pulled off lunch afterwards, either, without Mom and Emily swooping in right after church to prepare the buffet so we could feed commuters as quickly as possible. Thank you!

 

Baptismal Prayer 

Our Father, when we give thee our children we give ourselves, since they are bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh.  When we give them to thee, we keep them forever.  When we offer them thy bondage, it is the perfect freedom.  When we bid them love thee best, they also love us the more.  Bless this father.  May he continue to make his life the window through which this child shall better see and understand thee as his Heavenly Father.  Bless this mother.  May she without pageantry mold this clay quietly into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Bless this little boy.  Give him what he shall need most tomorrow; enough tears to keep him tender; enough hurts to keep him human, enough failure to keep his hand clenched to thine, and enough success to make him sure he walks with thee.  May he never be ashamed of thee.  May he never depart from thee.  And after a life of love and service to his master, take him to thee with thyself in thy heavenly kingdom.  Through Jesus Christ, our Lord  Amen.

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry 

"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell."

"When you heard the wonder of the Word, I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk 'till rising sun."

"In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise."

"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold."

We provided the flowers for the day, but our dedication did not make the bulletin.  The flowers were given with joy for the celebration of Matthew's baptism and in honor of our families. 



Getting to know Anne, Alex & Nicholas better.

Greek Kisses!

"Hello, camera."

Emily (who surprised us Friday night!) looking on as Sarah and Abby take turns with Matthew.

  

Caroline and Jim met Matthew...I think they approved:)

Tom gets reacquainted with Matthew before the service.

 

We lucked out and the kids just happened to be singing that morning - a nice surprise for the grandparents.

 

It was a long wait for the kids to the baptism portion of the service (which means it was a long time for us!), but we finally got there. 

Off they go!  Margaret so sweetly reached for Andrew's hand as they started down the aisle. 

 

Proud parents and grandmothers watching all three kids quietly make their rounds.



Dad peering on from the balcony, awaiting his rendition of "Borning Cry". 

Snuggling up with Pastor Tom.

  

So sweet....maybe recalling the days when his own now college-aged Matthew was a little babe. 

Questions to the parents - Andrew and Margaret quietly listening on.

Susan posed the question to the Congregation.

Working so hard to cooperate!

If it takes thumb in mouth and finger up nose to keep her quiet and still, so be it...today, anyway.

Andrew praying during Mom's prayer...my chance to wipe away tears more discreetly than the minutes prior.

Incredibly interested Andrew. 

Peering into the font with great wonder. 

Dipping in...

The first of three dousings - Tom doesn't hold back with the water!

"He didn't even flinch!", Tom immediately reported. 

Always wanting to pet her baby brother, Margaret instantly reaches for the freshly baptized babe.

In awe of how good Matthew was, considering I woke him from a deep sleep to have water poured on his head three times!  Such a patient little man, as always. 

And later that day...