"Sacraments...make something that is already true and available real for us so that we might fully benefit from it." This is from the booklet "Holy Baptism: A Guide for Parents and Godparents," which we received in our pre-baptism meeting. And so yesterday morning we affirmed that Anneke is God's own. Of course, it was lovely--my church really makes a big deal out of baptisms. The children come up from downstairs and sit around the font, VIP style. Anneke was stripped nekkid and plopped into the font. She settled right in like it was bathtime, splashing all over Rev. Joan's Bible and lapping that holy water right up! We were all laughing, and that was my favorite part--that such a sacred occasion was marked by laughter.
The anthem during the service was a choral arrangement of the gospel/bluegrass song "Calling my Children Home" by Doyle Lawson and Charles Waller. It's haunting and sad, about missing your children who are far away. I really missed my parents yesterday, and, as with most things in life these days, a song like that has new meaning for me now that I am a parent.
But Dave's parents were there in the second pew, as well as some of our good friends. Anneke has her Mormon Godmother, Auntie Emily, and her Jewish Godmother, Diane. Both of these women are going to be there for her and will honor and support Anneke in her faith. They will also be there when she is a sulky teenager or when I am being a worrywart mom. And Anneke has a parish sponsor, Peggy, who will be a special person for her at church. I got to know Peggy when I was on the Vestry, and then she did the flowers at our wedding as well as Diane and Matt's. She reached out to me when Dave was recovering from his accident and left lovely presents for Anneke and me on our porch one day last spring.
These folks and a few friends came over for brunch afterwards. We were all wiped out by the time everyone left! But it was a perfect celebration, and everyone who came is someone I hope will know Anneke throughout her life.
One thing missing were in-focus photos. It was just too much to fiddle with camera settings with everything else. But not to worry! We'll upload a video soon. And I think Ms. A got some good shots of Anneke in her christening gown.
2 comments:
that is such a sweet story - it sounds like anneke will be surrounded by a lot of love as she grows. and who could have a baptism without a little drinking/splashing of the holy water?! too cute!
Awesome! I'm glad she did so well at it. I'm hoping that when I have Sofia baptized, that she'll do well as Anneke. We do things a little different so there's less opportunity for splashing :( Yours sounds more fun!
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