Baptism

Anslee was baptised today. Dr. Martin did a great job and we loved the ceremony. One special thing today was that in the bowl of Holy Water, Dr. Martin added some water from the River Jordan. I am so happy that my parents and Keith's Mom were all there with us today.

Anslee looked adorable in her long gown (which took me forever to find exactly what I was looking for!) and Andrew looked so handsome in his tie. Several people came up to us later and told us that they've never seen a big brother look so proud. They said when Dr. Martin was walking around the church with Anslee he was just beaming.

We have such wonderful, caring, supportive friends. It is amazing how much I treasure their friendship.

What does Baptism mean in the Methodist church? I looked it up online and this is what I found:

Baptism is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements — in this case, water — as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

In infant baptism, God claims the child with divine grace. Clearly the child can do nothing to save himself or herself, but is totally dependent on God's grace, as we all are — whatever our age. In believer's baptism, the person being baptized is publicly professing her or his own decision to accept Christ. Believer's baptism is an ordinance, not a sacrament. United Methodists baptize people of all ages who have not previously received the sacrament. Even when the people being baptized are believing adults and are ready to profess their faith, our emphasis is upon the gracious action of God rather than upon the individual's decision.

I was raised in the Baptist church. My belief is that all children before the age of accountablility will go to heaven even if they are not baptised. I love the ceremony of infant baptism but I view it as a symbol of us trusting God with Anslee's life.

Terri