Storytelling Sunday - Baptism.

Today is a very special day in our church as several young people have made the decision to give their lives to Jesus and be baptised. In our church, children are dedicated as children by their parents which means that parents make a pledge to bring up their children in the teaching of Christ and that when the children are older they then make a decision of faith for themselves. This is different to many churches where as babies we are christened.

I was christened when I was a baby by my grandfather who was a Church of England Reverend. I was christened in the family gown which was made of parachute silk and my mum still has. I was christened in the church where my parents had met, been confirmed, my dad had sung in the church choir, they had got married and my grandfather had just been ordained. I had 2 godmothers and a godfather.................my cousin Felicity and my Aunty Sheila. My godfather is my dad's friend and best man. Everyone looks very posh in the pictures, although my mum looks like she's wearing a blue lampshade for a hat, sorry mum!

This is the only picture I could find to show you guys. I'm the cute baby, that's my mum in the blue dress and lampshade, behind her is my godfather , the lady in the flowery dress in my dad's mum and then my grandpa Sowerby, the guy in the dog collar is my Grandpa Watts and the lil boy is my cousin with the lady in pink in the pink.
My christening cake was made by mum's Uncle Ted who was a baker...............he also did my sister's cake and my mum's 21 st cake. I had a silver bracelet, serviette rings, an egg cup and spoon and a white bible and prayer book which I still have safely in my bookcase. Apparently it was a beautiful hot day and everyone went back to my parent's house for a party in the garden.

The above picture shows my lil sister after her christening again with my grandfather in his full regalia. Unfortunately she was a bit older when she was baptised so didn't fit into the parachute dress so had her own special dress made for her. By this time my grandfather had his own parish in the Forest of Dean so I think all his parishioners were there. I can remember the christening as I fell down the steps at the front of the church.

I was baptised about 10 years ago after I came back to the church after my illness and had an amazing experience. I had all my friends and family to support me as I went under the water and I remember it wasn't long after my dad had been very ill too. He stood and made his own testimony in front of the congregation which was very emotional for him. I have had a much more special relationship with God since then and I hope my family have too. I hope that today will be just as wonderful for the young people of our church who are making this choice.