A Friday Five about baptism:
1. When and where were you baptized? Do you remember it? Know any interesting tidbits?
~I was baptised when I was six months old in the Episcopal church where my family were members. I don't remember it, but I've been told it was very hot (June in the south, no air conditioning). I wore the christening dress my older sister had worn, and because my arms were chubby (even then) the sleeves were too tight.
2. What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism?
~I'm not sure I can think of anything unexpected I've witnessed. I've always loved baptisms, and I love the sense of awe that comes with baptisms. I especially love the "You are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever" part--I get goosebumps.
3. Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms?
~No traditions peculiar just to my congregation.
4. Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor? Have a story to tell?
~I am godmother to my older nephew, but in my family that is really just ceremonial. NSLS however has a godmother who has taken it seriously, and it's a wonderful relationship. She did a beautiful toast at NSLS's wedding.
5. Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn?
~We used to sing this at my parish in Vermont, and we sang it last fall when we had a baptism at our parish retreat.
1. When and where were you baptized? Do you remember it? Know any interesting tidbits?
~I was baptised when I was six months old in the Episcopal church where my family were members. I don't remember it, but I've been told it was very hot (June in the south, no air conditioning). I wore the christening dress my older sister had worn, and because my arms were chubby (even then) the sleeves were too tight.
2. What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism?
~I'm not sure I can think of anything unexpected I've witnessed. I've always loved baptisms, and I love the sense of awe that comes with baptisms. I especially love the "You are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever" part--I get goosebumps.
3. Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms?
~No traditions peculiar just to my congregation.
4. Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor? Have a story to tell?
~I am godmother to my older nephew, but in my family that is really just ceremonial. NSLS however has a godmother who has taken it seriously, and it's a wonderful relationship. She did a beautiful toast at NSLS's wedding.
5. Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn?
~We used to sing this at my parish in Vermont, and we sang it last fall when we had a baptism at our parish retreat.
I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry
By John Ylvisaker
"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."
Chorus: "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."
