| Baptism |
Some random details about Eva and Elijah's baptism party.
On Sunday November 12th Eva and Elijah were baptized. Lance and I planned the service which took place in the afternoon at CLBI (the Bible school Lance works at). Our friends Matt and Claire led the service. Matt is a pastor in Sherwood Park (45min from Camrose). Friends were also involved in scripture reading (Jena & Melanie) and music (Pete).
A passage that was important to us in making the decision to have them baptized is Mark 10:13-16:
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Matt shared from this passage, and mom embroidered parts of it on their gowns.
This passage is one of my favorite passages about Jesus. He's pretty clear here about the way he views children. We are like the parents in the story, bringing our children to Jesus to have him bless them. Jesus welcomes children. He took those little ones in his arms and blessed them. We trust that through their baptism he blessed Eva and Elijah too.
We think baptism is full of mystery and that no one really knows how God works through it, or what he does in it. One thing thing I love about infant baptism is that it does not rely on knowledge and understanding, there were no right answers that Eva and Elijah needed to give in order to be baptized. It is a picture of grace. Free. They did nothing to be worthy, to deserve it. Funny how I think that it is any different with me, that somehow because of my understanding and my cognitive faith, because of my behaviour and my doing good things for God, that I have earned grace...hmmm.
side note: I was baptized when I was 5 or 6 and grew up in a Mennonite church - no infant baptism - I embrace both infant and adult/believers baptism - many good things about both. I'm guessing that most of my readers are my Mennonite youth group girlfriends -- though who knows how many lurkers are reading this blog. anyways, if you have questions feel free to ask.
Many friends and family were there -- and many others wished they could be. We had the chairs arranged in a half circle - we wanted a relaxed friendly feel. Matt gave a children's message (very important to me). Lance's parents threw a party afterwards at the house. Very lovely relaxed and warm, lots of candles, good company, delicious food - an expression of love for us and the kids.
Mom sewed the gowns. I called her Sunday night to ask if she'd be able to do it. It was either her or me -- you didn't know that I sew? Well I don't, I'm just overly confident and figure it can't be that hard -- and we're all glad it was her not me. She took her sewing machine on her getaway to Harrsion. Sorry dad! She had the gowns in the mail on Wednesday. They are absolutely beautiful, more lovely than Lance and I could have imagined. They are an unbleached linen. Keepsakes that's for sure.
Sponsors/Godparents:
We see sponsors as people who will have special relationships with our kids. People who will take initiative in the spiritual growth of eva and elijah, pray for them and love them in creative ways.
For Eva: Nathan (who prefers the title "god-daddy") and Melanie, and Phil and Ingrid
For Elijah: Pete and Jenna, and Erik Rust (the son of the president of our school)
Here are some photos.
The hem of Eva's gown.
The hem of Elijah's gown. |
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| 7 Comments: |
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I think your post and photos are all so beautiful. Jesus always wants to bless the children - hey -and us too! I love the way Eric is holding Elijah - it SO makes me smile.
Blessings on your family,
Mom
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That was a beautiful post Aimee. I love and appreciate your thoughts on baptism. And Kathy- what BEAUTIFUL gowns! How special.
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What an awesome story Aimee. God's grace and His gifts constantly humble me, and baptisms are something I cherish and love so much. It was good to "see" you guys again, if only in pictures. Candace and I miss all of our friends a lot still...
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WOW Kathy, those are beautifully detailed, that is amazing.
I also enjoyed the thoughts. Your children are blessed to have such wonderful parents.
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wow aimee how beautiful. i always make my husband look at your blog because i love seeing the great pics of your little ones i think that they are the most beautiful and blessed kids. i really admire you and lance allot. these children are so blessed and so are you two! but i probably dont have to tell you that. your friends and family are beautiful and the gowns and that whole cermony, wow. you all make me smile, i was so glad to see you post on my blog! i never thought you viewed it, i thought i was just always spying on you! have a good day and kiss those babies for me, they are too cute for words.
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Those gowns must have been gorgeous it's hard to see what they really look like on a photo so the close-up of the gown's hems gives a really good idea of what they looked like. Simply beautiful! Your mom's an awsome sewer!!! And Pete and Jenna are looking pretty much the same I'd say except maybe a little more grown up now. Very fun!
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Baaaaaaaah!! I cried ALL OVER AGAIN!! Truly a moving day - one that really goes down as one I will cherish forever. I will show this to "god-daddy" when he comes home from work tomorrow morning!
M
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posted by Aimee at 
I think your post and photos are all so beautiful. Jesus always wants to bless the children - hey -and us too! I love the way Eric is holding Elijah - it SO makes me smile.
Blessings on your family,
Mom