What readings did you choose for your childrens baptisms.

[Spidermama]

From the gospels or otherwise.

Inspire me.

I don't know about inspiring, but I did pick the predictable one:

Mark 10:13-16

"13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."

Yes that's a good one MaryBS. To the point. Suitable and really lovely.

ermm didn't choose any of their readings - had whatever was down for that particular Sunday in the year (which for DS1 was pretty Christmas given it was Christmas eve ) - can't remember what DS2's were, but DS3's will be the Advent sunday readings.

I have however had full reign over the choice of hymns

Which hymns did you choose?

Hymns for DS3's are

Awake, awake fling off the night
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Lo, He comes with clouds descending
Guide me O thou great redeemer
In Christ Alone

The first 3 because they're fantastic Advent Sunday hymns (DS3 being Christened first Sunday in Advent). Guide me is "traditional" one for us in our family (well exH and I had it at our wedding - it was my choice then, and we had it at DS2's Christening too). In Christ Alone - because it's one of my all time favourites

Same as with DS2's Christening - where I confess I can only remember that we From Heaven you Came, and the Guide me O - I've chosen them because they're great hymns, not necessarily because they're particularly "suitable" for Christening. I'm an organist you see - and for DS3's Christening most of those would be a dream collection of hymns to play in one service.............well actually at the moment it looks like I will be playing them as we still haven't found someone to cover for me

Oh wow you're an organist. I can see why you chose such lovely hymns then.

yes I'm the church organist - hence the panic over not having found someone to play for me yet - at this rate I'm going to be dashing up and down the church (font at the back - organ at the front).

Oh no you have to get someone else to do it so you can enjoy it. I'm trying to get help otherwise I'll end up too busy to connect with the event.

well I've got the Vicar, and the 2 church wardens on it too (looking for someone) it's looking desperate at the moment lol.

Thankfully I've managed to "outsource" most of the hard work to other people. Yorkiegirl made me some WONDERFUL invites (everyone that's replied so far has commented on how beautiful they are ), ShelleyLou is making the cake for me, and afterwards I'm having a faith lunch (bring and share) buffet in the church hall (which meant I had to do was book the church hall and put a list at the back and tell people to put their name down for what they're bringing.

I shall supply wine (don't' usually have wine at the church faith lunches - but this is rather special so think I will) and some proper fruit juice for the children and adults who don't drink (so it will be a bit different from the squash, tea and coffee usually provided).

Which reminds me - I must fill in the "Application for Baptism" form (or whatever it's called) and give it back to the church warden.

It sounds like you've got most of it covered. Nice to have some proper help. Mine;s in a week and I'm starting to get offers of help. I'm having a do at our home (though the builders have not left yet so there's lots of last minute rubble removal and organisation to do.)

I'm doing two pots of curry (one veg one meat) with rice and naans, then various other bits and pieces. Much of it is out of my control as it is being brought by friends which is great.

I'm getting quitye excited now and really looking forward to seeing my normally dispersed family all under one roof.

Have a good one guyfawkesquiem.

... bonfire night name?

yes - it's my bonfire night name - think I'm going to hang onto it until the Christmas name changes happen

Hope your Christening goes well - I'm sort of hoping that most of my family don't make it - I sent the invites because it was the right thing to do - not because I particularly want them there

I was thinking, FAQ, we're not a million miles from you... we have quite a few organists at our church...

really

Could they play the hymns I've chosen (to a reasonable standard preferably - although at this late stage I'm getting increasingly less fussy ).........I'm more than willing to pay (for the playing and for travel expenses) - if you wouldn't mind asking I would be eternally grateful.

We just had the whatever the church had that week. Our church doesn't follow the lectionary, but a sermon series. We didn't get an option to pick.

Maybe I'm wrong then about where you live.... Our regular organist lives in March, Cambs, is that any good? If so, when is the Christening again?

No I don't think you are - March is about 50 miles from here - so you're right not a million miles. If one of your organists is available (it's 30th November 10am) I'm quite happy to pay for their petrol and for them to play (and would also be eternally grateful)

btw Spidermamma - sorry for hi-jacking your thread

Our regular one will be at our church then... I'll see if I can have a word with the better of the two in our congregation - I've only heard him play once, I have to admit, but I thought he was very good... our vicar is also an excellent organist, but he'll also be busy

Email me, there is a list of RSCM organists I found on the Ely diocese website the other day, some of whom are renowned for their playing round here - Paul Bryan for instance. I could send you that list...

sutton mb at talktalk dot net

Spidermama - are you still hoping for other suggestions? I can have a look for other stuff... parts of Psalm 139 for instance...

"13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother?s womb.
14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
17How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18I try to count them?they are more than the sand;
I come to the end ?I am still with you. "

Not at all GuyFawkesreQuiem. I'm happy to watch your story unfold and keeping my fingers crossed you get a great organist.

MaryBS I love those words from psalm. I think I might break up a bit towards the end.

ahh well I have a happy update -

MaryBS emailed me just after lunch with a name and number and I spoke to him - and I have an organist for the Christening

That's great news!! I'm so pleased for you. Now you can really focus on the big day and stay up at the font where you belong!

Have a good one.

That's brilliant!!! So so glad I could help!

really is very much appreciated Mary

look I even started a thread in your honour when I got off the phone to him