Chapter 361 – Blessings and a Baptism part 1
The Thorntons weren't the only ones who were up early. After spending a couple hours loving his wife the night before, Frank was also up early. He had woken up before sunrise and couldn't get back to sleep. So he quietly slipped from bed, dressed and headed downstairs. He stoked the fires and started some water for coffee. While waiting for the coffee, he ate a couple of leftover biscuits from the night he turned up the lamps in the kitchen area and gathered his things. He knew that he had to rewrite the sermon that he had planned for that day. It was why he had not been able to get back to sleep. He had woken up with a strong sense that the sermon that he had planned was not what he was meant to say.
So once the coffee was ready, Frank poured himself a large mug and sat at the table. He bowed his head and started with a prayer like he always did when writing a sermon. He then wrote down the two Scripture verses that kept running through his head. The next thing that he did was look up his previous planned Scriptures to see how much he had to rewrite. He knew that he had to talk about baptism, but he felt drawn to also speak about unity. He wanted to see how the Scriptures tied together.
The more that he looked at them, he realized that all five Scriptures went together. Now he just had to figure out how to speak about them and get what he felt he needed to say across in a cohesive manner. Frank took a moment to write out the Scriptures so he had them and didn't have to look them up when he was speaking. He first wrote out John 3:5 – Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Frank then wrote his thoughts on that verse on the page. He then looked up Matthew 28:19 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Again he wrote out his thoughts and what he wanted to say.
Frank then looked up the first new verse, which was Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. As he wrote out what he wanted to say, thoughts of his grandfather, mother and stepfather came to his mind and he changed what he was going to write. He wrote about his experience and not so much his thoughts on the verse. Frank realized why he felt the need to rewrite his sermon the morning of services.
Finally, Frank looked up the two verses from 1st Corinthians. It was chapter 12:12-13 – For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Frank wrote out his few thoughts on those verses and then made sure he had all that he wanted to say down. Then he worked to make it sound cohesive and so that it would have some flow to it.
By the time that Abigail came down over an hour later, Frank had rewritten his entire sermon, twice. He had also been able to write out the order of service so he didn't forget anything. With the blessing of the three girls and the baptism of Andrew, Frank knew that he needed the extra notes. Not that he needed the words written out, but more that he didn't want to forget something, since there were several things that needed to be included.
"Are you okay?" Abigail asked, wrapping her arms around her husband from behind.
"Yes." Frank said, patting her hands. "Just felt the need to rewrite my sermon for today."
"Oh." Abigail said. "Glad you are okay. Just miss waking up in your arms."
Frank pushed back from the table and stood up. He put his hand across Abigail's small baby bump and kissed her soundly.
"Sorry." Frank said. "But you need your sleep and I didn't want to wake you just because I couldn't sleep."
"Okay." Abigail said, leaning up for another kiss.
Their kiss was interrupted by Rune clearing his throat. Abigail turned red and buried her face in Frank's chest for a moment.
"Sorry." Rune said. "But I felt it would be rude not to let you know I was here."
"It is okay." Frank said, smiling at his wife.
"What are you doing up so early?" Abigail asked, as she went to grab her apron, not looking at Rune.
"I have rounds." Rune said. "Joe has to stay at the jail until the last of the boys are released. At least two of them were staying overnight, but there might have been more. He sent me back early."
Abigail turned and looked at Rune for the first time, her cheeks still red from earlier.
"Oh." Abigail said. "I didn't realize."
"One will be released this morning." Rune said. "Robin O'Brien came in and signed the paperwork for her son, but asked Bill to keep him so he could think about his actions overnight. Then there was at least one that Bill wanted to wire a judge about, due to other factors. So we will just have to see."
"Hopefully." Frank said. "Most of the boys learned a lesson and you won't have to do that again."
"I hope so." Rune said. "As much as I love my job, it gets old dealing with the same group of troublemakers all the time."
"I am sure it does." Abigail said. "You want some breakfast before you leave?"
"I am just going to grab a couple of leftover scones." Rune said. "But I will take a thermos of coffee if you can, please?"
"Coming right up." Abigail said. "Are you sure that the scones will be enough until lunch?"
"If I need." Rune said. "I have jerky in my saddlebags and can eat while I ride."
"Okay." Abigail said. "If you are sure."
"I am." Rune said. "I want to be back for services.
"Be careful out there this morning." Frank said. "There was frost on the ground when I stepped out, so some of the trails might be slick."
"Thank you." Rune said.
Once the coffee was ready, Abigail filled the thermos and Rune left. As soon as the door closed, Frank wrapped Abigail up in his arms and continued to kiss her. If he had time, he would have taken his wife back to their bedroom, but he knew they didn't so Frank would have to settle for some kisses at the moment.
"As much as I would love to spend the morning in your arms." Abigail said as she pulled back. "We do have a number of guests coming for lunch after services and I have things to do."
"I suppose." Frank said. "I am going to go make sure everything is set up at the church, then come back and eat. I did have a couple of biscuits and jam when I first came down. Please eat something before you get too busy."
"Okay." Abigail said
Frank stole one more kiss before heading over to the church to set everything up. He hadn't baptized a baby since arriving in Hope Valley and he wondered how it would differ from what he was going to do. The words would probably be familiar, but some of the things might not be. Over the years Frank had been to many different churches, including to the Catholic church with his grandfather and the Episcopal church with his mother and stepfather. He had also been to several other churches after he left home before he quit going completely. The thing was that he realized that he had incorporated many of the things from the other churches into his own services. He spoke to Jack and Elizabeth about what they wanted. When Frank learned that Jack's family, or at least his late father was raised Catholic and Elizabeth's family attended an Episcopal church, he incorporated things from both of those traditions into the baptism of their children.
… … … …
Abigail blushed again as Frank had stolen the last kiss. While she loved how affectionate he was, she still got embarrassed when they were caught. Abigail knew that Noah had loved her with all of his heart, but he wasn't anywhere near as affectionate as Frank was. While her and Noah had their time together and he would give her a quick kiss now and then, it was different. Her time with Noah as for him and the purpose of trying for a baby, not necessarily for her enjoyment. The other thing that was different, Noah would never let a kiss become what one might call passionate outside of their bedroom. Frank on the other hand, would kiss her and light her fire whenever he could.
Abigail smiled as she thought about how patient and loving Frank had been the night before with her. Taking the time to make sure she enjoyed their time together as much as he did. She put her hand on her small baby bump that was hidden by her apron and her smile grew. She had always wished for a large family and never thought it would happen. Now at forty and with a second husband, she was getting a piece of her dream. Little did Abigail know just how many pieces of her dream of a large family she would be getting over the next few years. For as much grief and strife that Abigail experienced in the last few years, she would be blessed even more before it was all said and done.
While neither Frank or Abigail had spoken specifically about more potential children, as they were still wrapping their brains around the one that Abigail was carrying, they had each prayed multiple times that if God saw fit to bless them with multiple children they would be open to such. Little did either know that God was listening and willing to grant them their prayers after all they had been through in their pasts. Because they each had struggled before coming together and both were wonderful humble servants, God would smile down on them greatly. When future generations would look back on the records of Hope Valley, many would wonder if there truly hadn't been something in the water or some sort of magic in town during that time period.
… … … …
As people started to gather at the church just before ten, many were surprised to find it set up for a baptism and that the two front rows on one side blocked off for the Thorntons. While it had been announced two weeks ago, many might have forgotten or not heard. Many were also surprised to see Frank in his clerics when they arrived. While he had worn them for certain occasions, like Christmas or Easter, he didn't wear them each Sunday. However Frank had thought a baptism was a perfect time to wear them again. He had worn them a few weeks ago for Lee and Rosemary's wedding, just as he had for Jack and Elizabeth's wedding. The other thing that had people curious were the various items laid out on the desk that had been covered in a white cloth. Many wanted to go up and see, but refrained from doing so knowing they would all be shown later.
While many of the people of Hope Valley had been to a baptism before, it was never an elaborate ceremony. Most parents who had children remember it was just the pouring of water over the child's head. While they couldn't make out exactly what was laid out on the desk, they saw candles and a small bottle of oil as well as a glass pitcher of water.
At exactly ten, Frank stepped behind the pulpit and smiled out at the people.
"Let us rise and sing our gathering song All Things Bright and Beautiful." Frank said.
After the song, Frank took a deep breath and looked over the entire congregation that had gathered. The folding doors were open and the church was full, which filled his heart, but he still knew there was a divide in the community.
"Today is a special day, not only is it Sunday and we have gathered to worship as God wanted." Frank said. "But we also celebrate the baptism and blessing of four special children today. People brought their children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw it he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.' So as Jesus wanted the little children brought to Him then, we do that today. While the baptism I perform today might look different then what you are familiar with in the past, the words said have been used for centuries. So let us pray.
Gracious God, who makes all things new, you have claimed us as Your people and owned us as Your family. Help us now to know Your presence in all that we do together this beautiful morning.
Source of all life, as we give thanks for the new life in our midst and celebrate the wonder that is a baby, help us to know that You are celebrating and smiling with us.
Christ Jesus, born a vulnerable infant in a stable, help us today to see you afresh in Elizabeth, Sarah, Amber and Andrew and in each other.
Holy Spirit, with Your empowering energy, transform our symbols, our actions and our words and make them yours.
Trinity of love, inspire us and make us one with you and with each other. Amen."
Frank took a moment while people sat.
"Before we get to the actual baptism." Frank said. "Let's talk about the importance of not only baptism, but unity. I was reminded very clearly last night that while Hope Valley might be one community, we are a community divided. Many of our neighbors don't worship with us and that is okay. We are all Christian and need to respect each other. As I was rewriting my sermon this morning, I was reminded that I, myself, have attended many churches over the years including both Catholic and Episcopal while I was growing up. I might have been ordained a minister of God from Toronto Bible Training School, because it was the only one willing to accept me with my past. I however have incorporated many traditions from different churches into my services. I think that will be very evident as we go about today. While talking to both Jack and Elizabeth and what they wanted for the baptism of their children, I incorporated elements that reflect both of their families' heritages."
Frank went on to share about why he was talking about unity and the Scriptures he had picked out for the day and why.
"Can I now have Jack and Elizabeth come up here with the children and godparents?" Frank said.
As the group came up, Frank went on to explain a few things.
"So the girls have all been baptized." Frank said. "While Elizabeth and Sarah were baptized by their biological parents, Jack and Elizabeth have asked that they be blessed and welcomed into this community and godparents named for them. I personally baptized little Amber shortly after she was born because there was a question of whether she would survive. So today she will also be receiving a blessing and the naming of godparents. Little Andrew is the only one that will actually be baptized today."
Frank turned to face the group.
"Jack and Elizabeth." Frank said. "What do you ask of this faith community?"
"Baptism and blessing of our children." Jack and Elizabeth said together."
"Baptism is the sign and seal of God's promises to this covenant He made with His people." Frank said. "In baptism God promises by grace alone to forgive our sins, to adopt us into the body of Christ, the church, to send the Holy Spirit daily to renew and cleanse us, and to resurrect us to eternal life. This promise is made visible in the water of baptism.
Bill, can you please pour the water into the font at this time."
As Bill poured the water, Frank continued.
"Water cleanses, purifies, refreshes, sustains; Jesus Christ is living water. Through baptism Christ calls us to new obedience: to love and trust God completely, to forsake the evil of the world, and to live a new and holy life. Yet, when we fall into sin, we must not despair of God's mercy, nor continue in sin, for baptism is the sign and seal of God's eternal covenant of grace with us."
Frank took a deep breath and looked at his notes in the folder he held.
"Jack and Elizabeth." Frank said. "Since you have presented Elizabeth, Sarah, Amber and Andrew for baptism and blessing, I ask the following questions before God and His people.
Beloved of God, I ask you before God and Christ's church to reject evil, to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, and to confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce sin and the power of evil in your life and in the world?"
"I renounce them." Both Jack and Elizabeth said.
"Who is your Lord and Savior?" Frank asked.
"Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." Jack and Elizabeth both said.
"Will you be a faithful member of this congregation?" Frank asked. "And, through worship and service, seek to advance God's purposes here and throughout the world?"
"I will, God helping me." Jack and Elizabeth both said.
"Do you profess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and affirm the promises of God made to you and your children in his Word?" Frank asked.
"I will, God helping me." Jack and Elizabeth both said.
"Do you promise to instruct these children in the truth of God's Word, in the way of salvation through Jesus Christ; to pray for them, to teach them to pray, and to train them in Christ's way by your example, through worship, and in the nurture of the church?" Frank asked.
"I will, God helping me." Jack and Elizabeth both said.
"Please tell everyone the names of your children and their chosen godparents." Frank said.
"Elizabeth Kristina and Sarah Anne." Jack said.
"Godparents are Winston Delaney Jr and Annie Rosewater." Elizabeth said.
"Amber Rose." Jack said.
"Godparents Carson Shepherd and Faith Carter." Elizabeth said.
"Andrew Wynn." Jack said.
"Godparents William Avery and Katrina Montgomery." Elizabeth said.
"Godparents." Frank said. "Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?"
"Yes." They all answered.
"Do you also renounce sin and the power of evil in your life and in the world and claim Jesus and your Lord and Savior?" Frank asked.
"Yes." They all answered.
Frank then turned to face the congregation.
"Do you promise to love, encourage, and support these brothers and sisters by teaching the gospel of God's love, by being an example of Christian faith and character, and by giving the strong support of God's family in fellowship, prayer, and service?" Frank asked. "If so, please respond with we do."
"We do." Rang out from the gathered.
Frank then stood and looked at the group, Jack and Elizabeth stood in the middle, each holding a twin. With Bill and Cat next to Jack and Carson and Faith next to Elizabeth. Dee and Annie stood holding the girls, next to Faith.
"Dear children." Frank said. "The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your foreheads, and invite your parents and godparents to do the same. "
Frank first stepped up to Andrew and drew the cross, then he went to Amber and then Beth and Sarah. Jack and Elizabeth each drew the cross on the twins and allowed the godparents to do so as well. Jack and Elizabeth then each moved over to the girls and repeated it with them.