As Christmas draws near, I feel it important to write a little about Baptisms.
Over the Christmas period, families gather together in ways that they cannot
during the rest of the year. At such moments, there is often a desire to share
together in the Baptism of the latest addition to the family – an entirely
understandable and even laudable sentiment. Unfortunately, however, this
can result in us being asked to perform Baptisms almost every Sunday in
December, to accommodate the “comings and goings” of various family
members, and this is hardly fair to the usual worshipping congregation.
Our practice has long been to plan a Baptismal Service at 09h45 on the last
Sunday of every month, and I want to plead with everyone to help us adhere
to this arrangement, except in the case of the most unusual and compelling
circumstances.
Over the Christmas period, our Baptismal service will take place on Sunday
26 December, and we trust that any family members who have joined you
for Christmas will therefore not yet have left. Bevan will conduct this service.
In view of the fact that we require parents to spend some time in
conversation with the minister prior to the Baptism, arrangements must be
made in good time. If the family are from out of town, and will not have
arrived in Port Elizabeth before Bevan goes on leave on 12 December, an
extended telephone call will be necessary, as a bare minimum.
Finally, please remember that if the parents of children to be baptised attend
another church, as a mater of courtesy, we require a letter from that
minister, giving approval for the Baptism to take place here.
I trust that this all makes good sense, and that those affected will
understand the necessity for these arrangements.
May your worship experience today at St John’s be meaningful, and inspire
you to renewed discipleship in the rest of this week.
Rod
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