At this point, I'm thinking about getting baptized this Sunday. I've listened to Patrick discuss the Bible's position and even chatted with him on the topic to get my specific questions answered (based on his interpretation). He explained (and I agreed) that in order to be biblically accurate, a baptism must include confession - something I was too young to have been able to do when I was baptized as an infant. Importantly, I've slowly come to agree with the Church of Christ doctrine - the emphasis on the authority of the Bible. I'll always have a soft spot for Catholicism, but the Church of Christ fulfills all that which I valued from Catholicism and expands on it. And for a multitude of reasons, I feel that at this time in my life I need to reaffirm my commitment to God and Jesus. I'm fasting and praying until Sunday to make sure this is what I am supposed to do. If it is, there are only three people I can think of that I really want to be there.
:)
Keep me in mind and prayers, please.
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Yes, I'm commenting on my own post. I'm cool.
Sunday came and I was nervous/excited about my decision but also at peace with it. I had been a little bummed that the Turners weren't going to be there and that the baptistery was blocked by the Christmas set. But when I got there and Mr. Turner was there and the set was gone, I felt a lot more gratitude and more comfortable.
Before the Lord's Supper, Dana Spivy brought up her ministry and I really feel like I'm called to be part of it. So when I got up for communion I asked her for her email address and used that opening to ask if I could be baptized. She sat Jeremy and I down then went to grab Patrick. He chatted with us for a second then went to make the announcement. Ann Bryan came over and sat with Jeremy, me, and Dana. Then when Patrick made the announcement, Sarah Barton came over. Elaine and Courtney come over and as we went to the Girls' side, Barb Huey joined the group. When I was changing, I forgot to take of my underthings so they got soaked. Plus I hadn't shaved my legs. But they did have a pair of pants I could wear so that wasn't that big of a deal until Barb decided to help by rolling up the bottoms.
I looked across water and Patrick had on those overalls and it looked like he was going fishing. Then when I went to get into the water, there was a spider on the ledge. I mentioned it to Patrick and he assured me they were all dead. I was worried for a minute that I looked awkward but then forgot about that once Patrick started talking. I moved forward as he told me to and looked down to the stage. Mr. Turner was there and I smiled, feeling calmer. Then, I looked at Patrick and repeated my faith. As I was submerged I kind of felt bodyless and when I came up I felt reformed. It was interesting.
As I was getting out of the water, I went to brace myself on the side and the spider Patrick assured me was dead crawled toward me. I tried not to freak out like a fool in front of everyone and hurried out. I changed back into my clothes but had to steal an undershirt so my sweater wouldn't get soaked from my bra. That first time alone felt unreal in a way. Then I came downstairs to find a mass of people to hug and that was very nice. Even people I didn't know stopped to hug me. Then Mr. Turner called Vivian and I talked to her on the phone.
The next day, the Turners gave me a book (The Applause of Heaven) and they each wrote me a note in it. Holly and Allie congratulated me at work. Tuesday, Sarah gave me a big hug in class. Somehow a bunch of people found out, I'm not sure how.
Wednesday night at Connections, Josh came up to me to congratulate and chat with me. Then, at the end, he announced from the back to Patrick (in the front) that I was baptized on Sunday so Patrick added me to the prayer cluster.
People I didn't know and who I didn't know knew me have come up to me and hugged me and congratulated me and welcomed me. It's been so nice.
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