Friday Five

For a pastor of the church, I think I have somewhat loose ideas about baptism, so I'm worried that I'm being heretical here. Just so you know.

When and where were you baptized? Do you remember it? Know any interesting tidbits?
I must have been baptized when I was a baby - my mom says probably my grandpa did it in Ohio - but there's no pictures or certificate or anything from that one. It's always vaguely bugged me that I got confirmed and then ordained without really knowing for sure that I was baptized. So, when I was getting ready to move out of Seattle last summer, a group of women baptized me (perhaps for a second time?) in a back yard. It was truly beautiful, if not exactly orthodox. Our church doctrine is pretty clear about baptizing a second time (dont do it), but when I've asked people if they remember their baptism, I'm always astonished to hear how many of our folks have been baptised more than once. Personally, I'd have to say that I'm more laid back than the doctrine is on this one.

What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism?
Hmm, I dont have any of those "the baby threw my glasses into the water" kind of stories. I have an embarrassing story from my internship, but I dont know if I want to tell it here. Ok, I will. I helped baptize a baby and I sobbed thru the whole thing. I was kind of more of a weeper then. The family looked so concerned. I feel bad about it to this day that I gave them any reason to wonder what the crazy intern might do. Anyway, afterward, the pastor gave me a hanky and I said, "oh my GOD. I'm going to be a PASTOR." And she said, very sweetly and kindly, "You already are." It was a real confirmation of ministry, even if I still want to apologize to that family every time I see them.


Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms?
I have not done a baptism here, so I dont know, but I'm really looking forward to it!

Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor? Have a story to tell?
I am a godmother to a beautiful baby (now a big toddler) girl and her Catholic baptism was so lovely and different than anything I'd experienced before. I got to hold her when her head was all shiny and beautifully scented from oil. The jacket I wore that day was oiled, too, and a spot still shows. I sometimes think I should get rid of that jacket, but I love taking it out and remembering that day, so I dont.

Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn?s
"Child of Blessing, Child of Promise" which for some reason I cannot remember the words to right now. What am I doing in a house without a hymn book? Goodness, I AM heretical.