Sunday 3 July 2011

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.

17 comments:

  1. Jo, that first photo is just an absolute ripper - it is one of the reasons I really love candid shots ... oh the stories we can tell!

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  2. Jo, this is a fantastic story! I have just left a comment on Becky's blog saying that I think the best stories breed other stories - and that's true here too. You have reminded me of TTO's Baptism Day. He was baptised by his Grandfather The Dean in the church where we were married and he was given his father and Grandfather's name. I have a funny feeling my own hat of the day might warrant similar judgement...tho I have to say I think your Mum looks very very chic!

    Thank so much for joining in today Jo. Love it.

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  3. That is a lovely story Jo, I think your Mum looked fabulous, and you were such a cutie.xx

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  4. Great story, Jo! Love it! You certainly were a cute baby and so was your sister (I can see a family resemblance, even though she was so small!).
    The first photo is fabulous - I agree with Amy, that candid shots are wonderful things.
    It is lovely to hear about your more recent Baptism too and how it began a new chapter in your Life's Journey.
    Could a Scrap Page now be in order?

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  5. I was christened as a baby then was baptised when I was 22yrs, love the photos and your story.
    Jane

    ps sorry, this is the only way I can comment.

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  6. Great story,Jo....I too was christened as a baby....but sadly have no photos.

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  7. A real family occasion - that group photo is brilliant - there is SO much going on!

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  8. Hello cutie. I must day, I love that lampshade!

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  9. What a wonderful snapshot of your family to treasure:)I too like your Mum's hat!

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  10. Great photos and I love the lampshade hat

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  11. Lovely photos and thank you for sharing these memories. I was married by my fiance (now husband!) uncle and he got my name wrong!

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  12. I love seeing the fashions from 'way back when'! I was dedicated as a baby and was baptised when I was about 27...I too remember it as a very special occasion
    Alison xx

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  13. Hi Jo I was dedicated and baptised but my own children were Christened by their Grandfather! I wish there was a family christening gown as I love the idea of passing it down through the generations. I am also a fan of the hat!

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  14. What a wonderful story and special memory! We dedicated our son as baby and the day he made the decision to be baptized was one of the happiest days of our lives. I love your photo, so precious! Thanks for sharing! (and stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!)

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  15. Love those photos Jo! You are so very cute :)

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  16. I love the photo! My daughter and I were both baptized in the same dress - maybe I'll share those photos next Sunday. I love your story and your testament to faith.
    Rinda

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  17. Lovely story Jo, I was christened too but there are no photos as far as I know

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Hello and thank you so much for stopping by. It is always a pleasure to read the comments I receive and to meet new friends. I try and reply to comments on friend's blogs as much as possible. I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog and look forward to seeing you here again soon. Love Jo xxx