Madeline’s Baptism
Madeline was baptized on Sunday, November 23. Many of her family and friends were able to come and celebrate her special day. Following the service, we ate lunch at Mo Mo Ya Japanese Restaurant.
Thank you to those who spent the day with us. Thank you as well for the sweet gifts – the picture frames, Christmas ornament, rose and money for education. The love you show us and our little girl touches us each and every day and we’re so thankful for you.
From the service:
Baptism is one of two sacraments celebrated by Presbyterians. A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace. In the visible sign of baptism, we celebrate the theological truth that the invisible grace of God is already at work in the lives of our children, claiming our children long before they are able to claim God; we celebrate that the invisible grace of God is slowly and steadily at work in our children in such a way that one day they will claim God for themselves and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Therefore, as we witness once again this powerful sign and seal of God’s grace, and as we celebrate God’s love for this child, let each of us remember and rejoice in our own baptism.
Eternal and gracious God, we give you thanks that in countless ways you have revealed yourself in ages past and have blessed us with signs of your grace. We praise you that through the water of the sea you led your people Israel out of bondage. We praise you for sending Jesus your Son, who for us was baptized in the waters of the Jordan, and was anointed as the Christ by your Holy Spirit. We praise you that in baptism you give us your Holy Spirit, who teaches us and leads us into all truth, filling us with a variety of gifts, that we might proclaim the gospel and serve you as a royal priesthood. Send your Spirit to move over this water, that it may be a fountain of deliverance and rebirth. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon Madeline Paige, that she may have power to follow you and to do your will, and continue forever in the risen life of Christ. To you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, be all praise, honor, and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Almighty God, giver of life, you have called each of us by name and pledged to us your faithful love. We pray for your child, Madeline Paige, and her parents, Andre’ and Jennifer. Watch over Madeline Paige in all the years to come. Guide her as she grows in faith. Give her understanding and a quick concern for neighbors. Grant her strong faith to be a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, who was baptized your Son and who is our risen Lord. Amen.
