Thursday, June 23, 2011

The last to know

I didn't get to Zac's on Tuesday until about 25 to 8 and when I arrived Baz said, 'Martin's here.'
I looked at him blankly. Martin is usually there so I wasn't sure of the relevance of his comment. Baz clarified for me, 'You're leading tonight with him.'
'No, I'm not.'
'Yes, you are. Sean's not here'

Then Martin appeared. 'Ah, good, come here,' he said.

I followed him into the next room where he gave me a sheet of notes. 'Sean gave me these,' he said. 'We're to carry on the discussion about baptism.'
'Oh.'

So we were well prepared ...

'I told Sean I 'ate doing this,' Martin said, 'but Sean said "it's good for you".'

I don't mind leading the study at all; in fact I love it. I am thrilled that Sean trusts me and gives me the responsibility. They don't do that at Linden; they all know I'm stupid there. Actually Sean has known for me long enough now; he must have an idea what I'm like ...

But it was fine because everyone is very supportive. Lots of people chipped in the discussion and we didn't go off the point too much. One of the most-asked questions seemed to be, 'Can you get baptised more than once?'

I think the answer is: it depends.

If, like a couple of people said, they felt they were pressurised into being baptised and they didn't really understand the first time then I'm sure it's fine to be dunked again. On the other hand if someone wants to be baptised again because he sees it as a washing away of sins then I'd suggest he needs to refocus. It's Christ who takes away our sins not baptism.

But it looks like, in a few weeks' time, we'll be tripping down to the sea front for some baptisms and a barbecue. Sean will be meeting with people who want to be baptised (for first or second time) and making sure they understand its meaning, and then what a great party we'll have.

And I'm going to have to have a serious word with Sean: five minutes' notice is pushing it!

4 comments:

MaryB said...

Love your posts about Zac's. A joy to follow. Thanks, Liz!

Anonymous said...

For some of the people at Zac's it may be their only chance of a bath ;-)

Leslie: said...

Well, I've been baptised twice - once at age 16 in the United Church of Canada where they sprinkle you and then again with both my daughters when they were about 10 & 14 when we were all dunked. (Baptists require dunking)I do love the seaside baptisms, though, so would love to do that some day just as a sort of recommitment.

Liz Hinds said...

Thanks, mary.

For one of them in particular it will be, anonymous!

I was christened as a baby, confirmed as a teenager and baptised as a grown-up, leslie! Covering all options!