Friday Five: The Water and the Word

In this Sunday's gospel Nicodemus asks Jesus, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Poor old Nicodemus! He was so confused about the whole "water and Spirit" business of baptism.

For today's five, tell us about your baptismal experiences.

When and where were you baptized? Do you remember it? Know any interesting tidbits?
9 June 1974. Don't remember it, as I was only a month old at the time, and from what I've heard, there aren't any interesting tidbits surrounding my baptism. You know, except for the whole "adoption into the body of Christ" thing - that never gets old.

What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism?
Well, there was our daughter's first poop through her diaper experience - during her baptismal service - that was certainly unexpected.

Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms?
My former congregation had a banner where they would post the child's name the day of her/his baptism, and we subscribed each family to a monthly mailing called "Splash!" from our publishing house - kind of a combination practical-parenting / baptismal-instruction foldout each month, plus a CD once a year for baby and parents to enjoy. Here in campus ministry, we don't do a lot of baptisms, so I'm sure we'll be free to have fun with something when it does happen.

Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor? Have a story to tell?
We are sponsors of my nephew on my wife's side, and pleased as punch about it. We haven't done a whole lot as of yet, but once he gets into Sunday School and especially toward confirmation we'll be stepping up a bit more.

Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn?
There's a baptismal hymn in our new hymnal that has made its mark on me - "Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters." For one thing it's set to the Sacred Harp tune Beach Spring, one of my favorites. The words are beautiful, too:

1. Wash, O God, our sons and daughters, where your cleansing waters flow.
Number them among your people; bless as Christ blessed long ago.
Weave them garments, bright and sparkling; compass them with love and light.
Fill, anoint them; send your Spirit, holy dove and heart's delight.

2. We who bring them long for nurture; by your milk may we be fed.
Let us join your feast, partaking cup of blessing, living bread.
God, renew us, guide our footsetps; free from sin and all its snares,
one with Christ in living, dying, by your Spirit, children, heirs.

3. Oh, how deep your holy wisdom! Unimagined, all your ways!
To your name be glory, honor! With our lives we worship, praise!
We your people stand before you, water-washed and Spirit-born.
By your grace, our lives we offer. Recreate us; God, transform!