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| Noah, Heather (Interim Director of Youth Ministries), Eli |
"The Church of the Brethren traces its roots back over 300 years to 1708. Eighteenth-century Europe was a time of strong governmental control of the church and low tolerance for religious diversity. Nevertheless, there were religious dissenters who lived their faith in spite of the threat of persecution. Some of these dissenters found refuge in the town of Schwarzenau, Germany. Among them was Alexander Mack, a miller who had been influenced by both Pietism and Anabaptism.
In August 1708 five men and three women gathered at the Eder River in Schwarzenau for baptism, an illegal act since all had been baptized as infants. They understood this baptism as an outward symbol of their new faith and as a commitment to living that faith in community. An anonymous member of the group first baptized Mack. He, in turn, baptized the other seven. This new group simply called themselves “brethren.”" (Church of the Brethren Website, 2012)
At Emma's Baptism earlier in October, my niece had the opportunity to come and partake in the gathering of family at the river. Her journey into faith was through Confirmation in the Presbyterian Denomination, with sprinkles of water on their head. So she was definitely in for a diverse awakening when our youth were immersed entirely into the river, dunked three times from head to toe. It was an experience to watch her experience it. Best question? "I don't quite understand. Won't they be all wet when they're done?". Yes, Love, immersed entirely in the love of Jesus.
So proud of Eli and Noah (and Emma, Laura, and Alton) that have chosen to be baptized in the past year. It's such a profound feeling to have such compassionate and eager youth, where they come to the decision to outwardly express their faith through Baptism on their own. I know I didn't have much say or influence in their decision to take the "dunk", but I sure hope that I have influenced them in ways that are positive and unapologetically human. I'm overwhelmed with joy and excitement for the beautiful chaos that is coming their way...cheers to the journey kiddos!
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| Baptized in the North River, October 21st, 2012 |
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