An Easter to remember

This year we made the decision to have Micah and Livia baptized. Both Chris and I grew up in the tradition of dedicating children to the Lord and having them baptized when they are older. We had Micah dedicated at our Church in CT and thought we would do the same for Livia and Amelie. After our experience with Amelie we realized our perspective had changed. We have now been part of an Anglican Church for 5 years and have grown to love the liturgy and the sacraments that are practiced each Sunday. I never really considered myself the "traditional" type, but I have found the tradition to be very centering and faith building for me. I am a very kinesthetic learner and to be able to participate in the liturgy and sacraments each Sunday has sincerely deepened my faith.

I realize that the Church is divided on the issue of infant baptism and I respect that. This is a decision we have put much thought into and believe that God will be faithful regardless of if we dedicate or baptize.

Infant baptism is a sacrament that has been practiced for centuries in the Church and serves as a sign of God's saving grace in Christ. We have made the decision to baptize our children this day, trusting that by God's grace:

"our children are to walk into the fullness of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and into fulfillment of the promisese made this day on their behalf...."

"Almighty and everlasting God, we ask you to have mercy on these children. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, give them a knowledge of the forgiveness of sin, deliver them from your wrath, and grant that they may grow in the fear and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. "

"O Merciful God, we thank you that by your infitine love and mercy, you have made a covenant with us in your dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in which you have promised that you will be our God, and we shall be your children. . . .""We receive you into Christ's congregation, and sign you with the sign of the cross. We pray that you will not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified. . . ."

"It is now your duty as parents to see that these children are taught, as they are able to learn, promises you have made on their behalf. And it is your responsibility to ensure that they are taught the Christian faith and what it means to trust in the Lord. Encourage them to lead godly, Christan lives and to follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!