First Baptism

Sunday, July 29th, I had the privilege of performing my first baptism as pastor of PCMK.  It was a wonderful day to welcome into God's family little Mackenzie Lynn Purvis, the daughter of Nathan Purvis and Kelly Lynn Haughton, and granddaughter of PCMK members Art and Patti Jay.  The sanctuary was full (even in July) with lots of families and many children.  Elder Roe Gift assisted in the sacrament, asking the questions of the congregation. 

Once I took her in my arms and poured water on her head, she stayed perfectly calm.  I then reminded her and all of us of the significance of baptism with these words, "Mackenzie Lynn, child of the covenant.  You have been sealed in baptism by the Holy Spirit and marked as God's own child forever." 

We then sang the beautiful baptismal hymn, "Batpized in Water, Sealed by the Spirit," which is to the tune of "Morning has Broken."  The highlight of the morning was when I brought our newest member down the center aisle so everyone could meet her up close while we sang the hymn.

We then went on with the service, which was filled with great music as usual.  After my sermon on Baby Moses in the bulrushes (appropriate for baptism), grandpa Art Jay sang "Shall we Gather at the River."  We had gathered at the river of God's grace that flows through each one of us.  Like Moses, who was adopted by Pharoah's daughter, we have both privilege and responsibility.  Our baptism gives us both--privilege (adopted by God) and responsibility (to serve God's people).

It was a great day, and I look forward to many more baptisms, and weddings, and communions and, and...