So many new faces present helped mark it as special . . . an occasion. The presence of family and friends who are marking milestones with people often underscore the importance of the moment, the ceremony, the event. Baptisms at Terra Nova were happening. There were many concerns- how will we do this? What does it mean? Should I be baptized? Is that the same pitcher I drank lime aid out of at the Marcelles?
For me, it was moving. Standing as a guide to spiritual moments always pushes me more toward our Lord. I am present yet, the presence of Christ is so much more pronounced- in the teaching on baptism, the symbols of the event, and especially in the testimony of those who show themselves and their Lord in baptism.
Stephen Burkhart (think 3 day beard, grommets, and ex-road raged driver) was baptized this past Sunday, June 3rd @ Revolution Hall. He shares his take on the experience. If you would like to watch a video of the stories of Stephen and the other three who baptized, click here.
“Well, as I sat in those chairs waiting for my name to be called…
I was trying to figure out whether I should cry, or what would be an
appropriate outward expression of feelings that I “should†feel in that
situation. I was trying to think about how everyone else was thinking
I should feel. I had previously felt sort of guilty, like this was
something I didn’t deserve to be doing, because I wasn’t yet “devoted
enough†to be baptized. I just didn’t know what to feel exactly, but
it was intense.
Then, about halfway through the baptism right before me, I thought that
I needed to make sure I was right with God before I go into this. So I
started praying. I do wish I had spent more time worrying about God,
and less time worrying about what other people would be thinking…But
hindsight is 20/20.
Then, as I walked up front, towards my pastor, (who was looking a lot
like Huckleberry Marcelle, but somehow maintained a sense of wisdom), I
just zoned out, and got in the water because I knew that I had to.
Then, when the water was dumped on me, I didn’t feel guilty, or
insignificant, or bad or sad at all. I felt joyous. I sat there and
thanked God for the opportunity to do this and to feel this joy, and
this closeness to Him. It didn’t make me want to cry, it didn’t make
me want to do anything outwardly. It felt completely satisfying — it
felt like there was nothing but God, and I in Him — And I wanted the
moment to last longer.
I was focused, and I was completely submissive. It was the deepest
prayer I’ve yet achieved.
And afterwards, I feel like the baptism was what it was. I publicly
stated my desire to follow Christ. I feel a stronger sense of
brother/sisterhood with my fellow Christians. I feel like I have more
accountability to my community and to God. I feel like it was a step
in Christian maturity.â€
I completely loved the way the Baptism went on Sunday as well. I was scheduled to lead our new tribe the following Monday and talking about the piece of the creed “I believe in the forgiveness of sins” Really made me think about what that meant. I almost immediately thought about Kristan Hodorowski’s video. Kristan talked about how devastating her sins were and how she could not wrap her mind around a God that forgave her of her completely.
It seems that humans have such a hard time accepting God’s grace and his perfect forgiveness because we ourselves have such a limited capability when it comes to forgiveness. Part of believing the forgiveness of sins is forgiving those who have sinned against you personally. As the good book says “Forgive us of our debts as we forgive our debtors”.
Congratulations to everyone who made the commitment last week!