Chapter 362 – Blessings and a Baptism part 2
Frank stepped over to the font that had been set up.
"By the power of the Holy Spirit give to the water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit." Frank prayed.
Frank motioned for Jack and Elizabeth to move to the font with Andrew, along with his godparents.
"Godparents, please place a hand on the child as they are held over the water." Frank asked.
Both Cat and Bill placed a hand on Andrew as Jack held him with Elizabeth on Bill's other side. As Frank said the words, he also poured a bit of water over Andrew's head three times.
"Andrew Wynn, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Andrew didn't like the cool water on his head and made it known. When he was done, Frank handed a small towel to Cat who dabbed his head before Jack brought the boy up to his shoulder to comfort the boy, but he didn't want his father. Andrew was quickly handed to Bill, who also brought him up to his shoulder. The boy quieted down and Frank was able to continue. Once Andrew had quieted down Frank continued. He picked up the small vial of oil.
"This is Chrism oil." Frank said. "It is olive oil that has been mixed with balsam and blessed. The oil symbolizes strength, and the balsam represents the 'aroma of Christ,' according 2 Corinthians 2:15. Anointing with chrism oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is used to consecrate someone or something to God's service."
Frank opened the vial and while covering the opening with his thumb tipped it over, putting a small amount on his thumb.
"Elizabeth Kristina." Frank said, while drawing a cross on her forehead with the oil. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace. Amen."
"Amen." Jack, Elizabeth, Dee and Annie said together.
Frank tipped the vial again as he moved.
"Sarah Anne." Frank said, while drawing a cross on her forehead with the oil. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace. Amen."
"Amen." Jack, Elizabeth, Dee and Annie said together.
Frank then moved to stand in front of Jack and Elizabeth. Jack had taken Amber and Elizabeth had Andrew.
"Amber Rose." Frank said, while drawing a cross on her forehead with the oil. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace. Amen."
"Amen." Jack, Elizabeth, Carson and Faith said together.
"Andrew Wynn." Frank said, while drawing a cross on her forehead with the oil. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace. Amen."
"Amen." Jack, Elizabeth, Bill and Cat said together.
Frank then had Bill, Cat, Carson and Faith each place a white garment on the children.
"White is symbolic of innocence." Frank said. "Through Baptism our sins are washed away, and we become 'clean' because of Jesus Christ. The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has 'put on Christ', has risen with Christ.
Elizabeth, Sarah, Amber and Andrew, you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourselves in Christ. See in this white garment as the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven. Amen."
Frank then picked up and lit each of the four candles from the large candle he had burning, handing them to the godfathers. Dee had set Beth down and she was standing in front of him.
"The candle symbolizes the light of Christ entering the life of the newly baptized person." Frank said. "It represents the light of faith that should continue to burn brightly throughout their life
Receive the light of Christ. Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. These children have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the light. May they keep the flame of faith alive in their hearts. When the Lord comes, may they go out to meet Him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom. Amen."
Frank then had them blow out the candles and everyone take a seat again. He then turned to the entire congregation.
"Dearly Beloved." Frank prayed. "These children have been reborn in baptism. They are now called children of God, for so indeed they are, calling God their Father in the midst of the Church. In their name, in the spirit of adopted children, let us pray together in the words our Savior taught us: Our Father, …."
After they had said the Our Father together, Dee, Joe and several of the school children came forward as Frank sat down.
"Knowing that Jack and Elizabeth would have their children baptized today." Joe said. "Many of the school children wanted to do a song for their beloved Mountie Jack and Mrs Thornton."
As they were getting set up with the guitars, Carson joined the group up front and picked up the third guitar. Together with the guys playing guitar and leading the children, they sang Jesus Loves Me through twice. Watching the children brought many smiles. As everyone went back to their seats and the guys set the guitars back by the piano, before themselves taking a seat. Frank went to stand in the middle of the front. The pulpit was off to his right and the baptismal font to his left. He quickly looked at his folder before closing it and setting it behind him on the desk. He looked out at the people and gave them a minute.
"As I said earlier." Frank said. "There are members of this community who feel left out. Just because they choose to worship differently shouldn't matter. We are all Christians. I encourage all of you to reach out to your neighbors and get to know them better. We should be celebrating the things we have in common and not the difference. Because having been born and raised at least partially, in the Catholic church. Trust me when I say that there are many more similarities than differences. Also thank you to Jack and Elizabeth for wanting to include so much from your families heritages in the baptism and blessing of your children."
Frank had looked at Jack and Elizabeth. He then took a deep breath and looked out over the rest of the congregation.
"I look forward to many more baptisms in the future." Frank said. "It is one of my favorite things as a minister. Having said that, Frank said. I would be remiss if I didn't also pray for all the expectant mothers today, my own wife included."
Frank spoke to Abigail earlier that morning and received permission.
"I am not going to ask them to stand." Frank said. "But they know who they are. I am also going to pray for all mothers and fathers. There will be an amen after each section of prayer, so please respond after I have said it.
Dear God, as we eagerly await the arrival of these children, we thank you for the miracle of life growing within these women. We humbly ask for your loving protection over these babies, guiding their development and ensuring their health throughout the pregnancy. Grant the parents strength and wisdom as we/they prepare to become parents, and fill our/their hearts with joy and anticipation for the precious little ones you are entrusting to us parents. In Jesus' name, Amen."
"Amen." Echoed from the congregation.
"God the Father," Frank prayed. "Through his Son, the Virgin Mary's child, has brought joy to all Christian mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on their children. May He bless the mothers of these children. They now thank God for the gift of their children. May they be one with them in thanking God forever in heaven, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. I lift up to You all mothers. Bless them with strength to continue to care for their children, with the same bold, selflessness Mary showed Jesus. Amen."
"Amen." Echoed from the congregation.
"Heavenly Father." Frank prayed. "You entrusted your Son Jesus, the child of Mary, to the care of Joseph, an earthly father. Bless all fathers as they care for their families. Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience; support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them, as we look to you for love and salvation, through Jesus Christ our rock and defender. Amen."
"Amen." Echoed from the congregation.
"Now a closing prayer before our final song of It Is Well With My Soul." Frank said. "By God's gift, through water and the Holy Spirit, we are reborn to everlasting life. In His goodness, may He continue to pour out His blessings upon all here present, who are His sons and daughters. May He make them always, wherever they may be, faithful members of His holy people. May He send His peace upon all who are gathered here, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We ask that You be with each person as we go through our week. Help us all to be more open with our neighbors. Keep us all safe until we gather in Your Name again. Amen."
"Amen." Echoed from the congregation.
Cat started to play and everyone joined her in singing the final song. Frank waited a moment before setting his folder back down on the desk and heading down the aisle to the back to await the people.
… … … …
After Cat finished playing, people started to file out, greeting Frank as they went down the steps. The Thorntons had taken a seat and were waiting a moment. Carson, Faith, Bill, Annie and the Delaneys all waited with them. Aunt Elizabeth helped to gather each of the garments and candles that the children had been given.
"What a beautiful service." Wynn said.
"And so meaningful." Faith said. "I have never seen a baptism like that."
"It was great." Carson said.
"Thank you, Carson." Dee said. "For joining us with the children. The third guitar had been for Rune, but I didn't see him."
"You are welcome." Carson said. "I miss playing."
"We should get you a guitar." Jack said. "I would love to have someone else to play with."
"No need to get me one." Carson said. "I wrote to my mother and asked her to send mine. I think she will realize that means I am staying. I had asked her to hang on to it as I didn't want it to get damaged in my many travels."
"I am glad." Jack said. "We will have to find time to play. Frank plays as well."
"Good to know." Carson said. "We will definitely have to find time to play."
Several people came up to offer congratulations and/or see the twins. Beth and Sarah were twirling around up front in their dresses. The adults couldn't help but laugh at their antics. The twins were getting fussy.
"I should head over to the cafe." Elizabeth said. "The twins need to be fed."
"I will help you." Carson said. "I told Abigail I would help her with getting the meal ready."
"Thank you." Jack said. "We did drop a couple of bottles there before services as well."
Carson nodded as he took Amber. They stood and headed out, stopping a moment to speak to Frank.
"We are headed to the cafe." Elizabeth said. "These two are getting hungry and probably could do with a change as well."
"We will be along shortly." Frank said. "Carson, please check the oven. The list of the rest is on the prep table."
"Got it." Carson said.
"Thank you." Frank said.
Carson and Elizabeth headed to the cafe to feed and change the twins.
… … … …
As people gathered in the churchyard, there was lots of talk about who was all pregnant. There were lots of congratulations for Frank and Abigail. They were happy to receive them and happy that people were happy for them. Several people also asked Faith who was expecting and she said she couldn't comment on patients without their permission. Jack took the opportunity to thank the school children for the song.
When people asked about the twins, Jack kindly told them that Elizabeth had taken them to the cafe to feed and change them as they were getting fussy. Jack spoke to several people who he only knew their faces. He was happy to put names to faces. There were lots of questions as to when both Jack and Elizabeth would be returning full time to their jobs. Jack said he would be back in the office full time by the end of the month, but wasn't sure as to when Elizabeth would return to the classroom as she had talked about after Christmas.
As the crowd began to thin out, Frank headed back inside the church to make sure the candle was out and things were picked up. Wynn joined him.
"Thank you for the lovely service." Wynn said. "While I love the simple services you have given in the past, this was full of meaning and I am glad you are willing to be open to other traditions."
"Like I said." Frank said. "I attended a Catholic church with my grandfather while my mother had switched to the Episcopal with my stepfather. I love the signs and symbols they use to show their faith. I am glad that Jack and Elizabeth were open to including them in the ceremony."
"Thank you for explaining things for the people who were not familiar with those items." Wynn said. "Do you think you will have more parents ask for those things now?"
"I hope so." Frank said. "Abigail and I have already spoken about it and want those things for our child when we baptize her."
"Will you do it or bring someone in?" Wynn asked.
"I don't know yet." Frank said. "I have a pastor friend in Union City."
"The one that married you?" Wynn asked.
"Yes." Frank said. "I was thinking of asking him. It depends on what Abigail wants."
"Yes." Wynn said. "I understand. There is a part of me that wants you to baptize our children when they come, but Elizabeth Rose and I haven't spoken about it. I know that she also wants something in our home church in Hamilton. We will just have to see."
"I will do it if you want." Frank said. "And like Amber, if he comes early, I can do a baptism right away."
"I don't know if we told you or not." Wynn said. "But Carson is pretty sure it is twins. I know that we are keeping that to ourselves for now."
"Yes, you did tell me." Frank said. "But I won't say anything."
Frank suddenly stopped and looked at Wynn.
"Twin boys in a snowstorm." Frank said.
"Yes." Wynn said. "Abigail's dream. It is coming back to me. Most of that afternoon was such a blur."
"Understandable." Frank said. "I don't think I could think straight for several days after Carson told us."
The two men looked around and it appeared that everything was picked up and put away.
"Thank you for helping." Wynn said. "I was going to ask, where did you get those garments given to the children?"
"I was able to order them from a woman in Union City." Frank said. "If you look closely, the children's names are embroidered on the inside back. I had Clara do that. I got several for infants and special ordered the two for the older girls. The woman makes them and sells them for this purpose."
"Very neat." Wynn said. "And the candles?"
"Cat." Frank said. "I just wrapped them with a ribbon I ordered from Dottie and small metal crosses that I was able to order. I could have ordered candles as well, but I thought coming from Cat was more special."
"Truly." Wynn said. "We should probably head over, Jack knows that I want to get pictures before the children are changed out of their white clothes."
"Then let's go." Frank said.
Frank and Wynn left the church, locking the building. They saw that everyone else had left, so headed to the cafe to find their wives and the rest of the group. Wynn was able to get lots of pictures. There was one with each set of godparents and child alone, with Frank and then with Jack and Elizabeth. Then there was the whole group. Wynn knew it wasn't common for people to take pictures, but they had the means so wanted to document as much as they could.
… … … …