today i was blessed to conduct my first baptism service. it was held outside at the home of a person that is part of Advent (what we are calling the new mission). lisa, the mother, called me quite a while ago after getting my name from another pastor where she used to attend. we have met several times in the last few weeks to talk about baptism, plan this service, as well as to dream about what advent can be about. the service was beautiful- a small group a bit of rain- but still the spirit was present. as i poured the water over ethan's head and baptized him he looked up at me with the biggest smile in the world which almost sent me to tears! i was humbled greatly today by the responsibility of administering this sacrament and realized yet again what a great joy we have as pastors to be part of baptisms, communion, weddings, deaths- wow. i often wonder how i get to be this lucky.
being part of this today reminded me of the important things in our lives. anna and i are waiting rather impatiently for my student loans to finish consolidating so that our mortgage can close- just a matter of time they keep telling us. it has been hard, hard on anna especially as she is getting very eager to begin "nesting" for the new baby. we have been perhaps even a little bitter lately- but were blessed with the presence of leland here for the last week to keep our spirits up. today also provided a needed reprieve to the grief that is in our world- i don't mean to move away from it, but rather needed a reason to smile. this child, this beautiful creation of our god- totally unaware of the strife if our world reminded me to pause today to give thanks to god for all that i have been blessed with. thank you god for all the little reminders of your grace and presence.
and some more good news- the nfl season REALLY starts tomorrow
great pics, glad everything moved according to the spirit for ethan's big day.
i too had the pleasure of having my spirits lifted by my time in tc and look forward to the next time we can spend some time together.
Posted by
Leland |
9:35 AM
Great description J. Yes the NFL season does start! But you have the wrong team...
I also wonder what those kids are doing in the background of that baptism picture. I think that little boy took you literally when you said God is active everythere. He is saying..."there sister? What about there? With that bear sister? Oh, neat that bug, too!"
Hey your stole is really neat as well that you are wearing. Yeah, impatient...you guys hang in there. I am praying for continued breaths of fresh air for the both of you and your 'nest'. Paz.
Posted by
Chad K |
1:22 PM
how awesome...you look like a real pastor. advent is perfect name, although jag lutheran would have been fine, too :)
you're in our thoughts with the sucky waiting game and the mortgage thing. hope that anna is feeling okay, and that things move along as quickly as possible so you can settled this fall.
Posted by
kendi |
10:01 PM
look at you handsome pastor man! Baptism is truly and awesome experience - and the touch of rain really helped me see the touch of God happening in your description...talk about Holy water!
Posted by
~moe~ |
8:34 AM