Jesse's baptism

Jesse has finally turned eight.  Old enough to be baptized*.  All the other children in his class have been baptized, leaving Jesse (with his late birthday) as the last one left.  All this last year we have been talking about what getting baptized means.  Hopefully, with all the repetition something stuck in his head.

Curtis' mom and step-dad flew out from Idaho to see Jesse baptized.  The day before the baptism we took them duckpin bowling.  Duckpin bowling only exists in and around Baltimore and some outlying areas, so it was a new experience for Brenda and Dennis.  We all had a great time, with some of the kids beating some of the grownups.

Jesse vs. Michael

Dennis keeping Peter out of trouble

Jesse asked my mom to give the talk at the baptism.  She said she hasn't given a talk in church in something like 20 years and was very nervous, but she did fine.  We sang I am a Child of God, and When I am Baptized.

Now some pictures:

Jesse is all ready to be baptized

Curtis and Jesse.  Curtis baptized Jesse, so he wears white too.

Brenda and Dennis from Idaho

my parents

Jesse, his little brothers, and grandma

I'm so proud of you, Jesse!


*In our church we believe that Christ, through His atonement, has redeemed all from the Fall.  Thus, infants do not need to be baptized.  In our church those eight years old and above are baptized because they are at an age that is capable of recognizing right from wrong (we call it the age of accountability).  Baptism is done by immersion and by one holding the priesthood of God.  After baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost is given, entitling the individual the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as long as they live worthy of their covenant to take upon them the name of Christ.