Cassidy's Baptism

• What a special and beautiful day when Cassidy was baptized (Sunday, Septemberr 28, 2008)! Uncle Jay, Pastor Barbara Hatchell and Pastor Stuart Greene performed the baptism. Cassidy wasn't too thrilled with the water and being separated from mom, but she made it through the ceremony.
  Thank you family and friends for being there and pledging to be an example for her. In the Methodist church, the congregation recites the following:
  "With God’s help we will so order our lives after the
  example of Christ, that this child, surrounded by steadfast love, may be
  established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way
  that leads to life eternal."
  
  
  
  

Cassidy with her God parents (Amanda and Juan Bargallo) and Uncle Jay who baptized her.




Below is some information on infant baptism and what we believe:
In infant baptism, God claims the child with divine grace. Clearly the child can do nothing to save himself or herself, but is totally dependent on God's grace, as we all are — whatever our age. In believer's baptism, the person being baptized is publicly professing her or his own decision to accept Christ. Believer's baptism is an ordinance, not a sacrament. United Methodists baptize people of all ages who have not previously received the sacrament. Even when the people being baptized are believing adults and are ready to profess their faith, our emphasis is upon the gracious action of God rather than upon the individual's decision.





Infant baptism is particularly illustrative of the Methodist doctrine of prevenient grace. The principle is that The Fall of Man ruined the human soul to such an extent that nobody wants a relationship with God. In order for humans to even want to be able to choose God must empower their will (so that they may choose Christ) which he does by means of prevenient grace. Thus God takes the very first step in salvation, preceding any human effort or decision. Methodists justify infant baptism by this principle of prevenient grace, often arguing that infant baptism is God's promise or declaration to the infant that calls that infant to (eventually) believe in God's promises (God's Word) for salvation. When the individual believes in Jesus they will profess their faith before the church, often using a ritual called confirmation in which the Holy Spirit is invoked with the laying on of hands. Methodists also use infant baptism symbolically, as an illustration of God approaching the helpless. They see the ceremony additionally as a celebration of God's prevenient grace.

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Aunt Jennifer won Cassidy over!! Prior to Jennifer spending quality time with her, Cassidy wouldn't go to anyone except mom or dad. But, by the end of the weekend (or by Saturday), Aunt Jennifer had won a friend. Cassidy would go to her, mom or dad!! YEAH JENNIFER. Thank you. I needed the break(s). We miss you already.

We also celebrated mama's 65th birthday! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. Anyone who did, please share with me. It is amazing how often I don't take pictures now. It isn't from apathy, but lack of time.