A retired pastor conducted the service and preached. When the time came for Daniel's baptism, Anna and Brian brought him forward. Several members of the congregation also came forward to stand with them. The guest preacher and I read the service. I applied the water and pronounced the baptismal formula as all three of us clergy -- retired, active-but-silent, and guest -- laid hands on Daniel. Baptism by committee, or as we say today, "by ministry team."
In addition to Drew standing as godfather, Derek R., a former Venturer and current Marine Sgt. working for the DIA in Washington, joined us for the occasion. After church, Brian had to take Drew to the airport. I made lunch. After Brian returned, he and I and Anna and Derek settled in to watch a couple of movies (The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers starring Charlton Heston as Cardinal Richelieu -- good stuff!).
Tomorrow, I need to be up and across the bridge-tunnel before rush hour. It's a long drive, so prayers would be appreciated. And, it's rained off and on all day and looks to be a soggy night, so prayers for a good night's sleep would also be appreciated.
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Proud parents with baptizand Thalia UMC, August 22, 2010 |
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Jesus welcoming the little children Sculpture at Thalia UMC, Virginia Beach |
