I had another pastor-in-training milestone... I was blessed to baptize Sarah yesterday, a woman in our college and career ministry. I didn't hit her head on the side of the hot tub (the pool was under 70 degrees, so we opted for the hot tub!) And... she came back up, breathing.
One of the pastoral staff who were there (they were ALL there) said that for a first baptism, it was tricky. Yeah. Negotiating the small space and shallow water was a bit of a challenge. And it could have been nerve-wracking since there were lots of other folks there, just to celebrate with her. I didn't want to make a pastoral "bloopers" reel. Darin did the intro and charge. And then it was time to get wet!! But you know? I wasn't nervous. I had the privilege of being His hands. He had already done His work in Sarah's heart... I just helped her seal it. And the rest was not "my job" at all... (Funny how that works.)
There's many pastor "firsts" I guess. I didn't realize how many. First time you preach. First time you baptize, marry and bury. First time you counsel someone. First time you lead communion. First time you hear your name and "pastor" from someone in the same breath... and I hadn't stopped to ponder all that before.
So many firsts -- and if they all flow as naturally as this one... Wow... It's something to watch GOD work... that's all...
Deb
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Now playing: Phil Keaggy - Waterfall
via FoxyTunes
Monday, October 22, 2007
First Dunk
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9 comments:
Nicely done Pastor Deb!
This was a wonderful post! You have the right attitude.
Wonderful. Indeed, lots of firsts, and then some. Even lots of first "bloopers..." I'm glad this one went so well for you.
I remember my first Eucharist service. I forgot to partake of the feast.
My first wedding, I forgot to tell the groom that he could kiss the bride.
I'm glad that they weren't video taped. I would have my own Blooper Show.
I'm glad it wasn't a slam dunk! :^)
Firsts can be so exciting!
Congrats! And how awesome that it was an immersion. I have only done baptism, of a couple at the beginning of their Easter wedding, and that was sprinkling. Which doesn't have the same oomph.
excellent news Deb- another first... I took a funeral before doing a baptism- kind of upside down really.
WOW! What a blessing to read, too.
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