An Easter Baptism and Other Ways to Celebrate

Yesterday at our family service, we had a baptism.  If we had a video of the baptism, you'd wonder if we had staged it.  But we didn't.

The pastor said the first part of the baptism liturgy, about God making us God's own.  The pastor paused for a breath.  The baby clapped.

As the parents made their promises, the baby reached for the baptismal font.  When I handed the child's father the lit baptismal candle, the baby reached for it.

It made us all smile and laugh.  It was a great way to celebrate Easter.

We had a potluck breakfast.  In the past, we've had a cooked breakfast, but this year, the primary cooks are elsewhere.  Understandably, no one volunteered to cook in their absence.

I suggested the potluck approach, and it worked well.  We had some bread that was hearty, along with a variety of sweets.  We had yogurt parfaits and fruit, for healthy choices.  We even had some dyed eggs. 

People seemed relaxed, and the clean up was much more minimal than with the more formal breakfast.  It could be a rolling breakfast, which works well for the Easter Sunday we have, with the first service at 6:45 a.m. and the last one not over until after 1.  Food was always available, as was a less high energy space.

With the late service, we had lots of small children noise:  lots of laughing, the occasional crying, random whoops.  I liked it.  I like being part of a church that can incorporate those unexpected additions.  I don't want parents to feel like they have to shush their children or hustle them out of the church.

All in all, it felt like a good day--as Easter should be.