Baptism....a special gift for that special 8-year old.

I have the opportunity to teach a the CTR-A Class in our Primary. Translation, I teach the 7 to 8 year-old children in our Congregation's Children's program on Sunday.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, turning 8 is a very big deal.  All year, we learn about making important choices and preparing for....Baptism.  

Baptism.....

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have learned from scripture that children are accountable for their choices beginning at age 8:

And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands (D&C 68:27).

Being a medical professional, I have always found it interesting that Myelination is usually complete by age 8 as well.  What this essentially means is that nerves are protected and also transmit information faster when this process is completed. Myelination also helps with "executive functioning" which are higher order brain activities that allow for more complex thought and decision-making. That's why I think it is truly inspired that children are thought to be accountable or able to make good decisions by the time they are 8.  

When children of our faith turn 8, they can decide if they would like to be Baptized. This is not a requirement, but an opportunity if the child appears to understand and wishes to take this important step.  The Bishop of the congregation interviews the child to determine whether they are ready and understand the importance of the covenants or promises that come with Baptism.

Baptism Towel:

I had two little class members who had prepared and made the decision to be Baptized recently.  I wanted to do something special for them ahead of time, so I made the following for them:

I found this "CTR" design (which is the 'logo' for the CTR-A Class. It means "Choose the Right") on Etsy.  I think it went well overall, but I found that there were a couple of 'white' spaced in the design which I will be contacting the seller about.

Under the logo, I embroidered the child's name, and the Baptism date.

I wrapped them up with a ribbon.  (There is a poem that can accompanying them, I decided not to include it this time around).  These were delivered before the 'big day'.  The kids said they loved them and one of the boys said he wanted to watch his friend be Baptized as he was slated to be Baptized first. So, his Dad wrapped him in this towel after he came out of the water so that he would be warm while he watched his friend take this important step.  

I like the fact that this small token gift was not given on the day of the Baptism. I didn't want to take away from the meaning and importance of this very special event. I also like the fact that after the Baptism,  it can serve as a reminder of their important decision.  

Take Home Message:

• If you have an embroidery machine or access to one, this is a very simple project.
• I paid about $6.00/towel and I really feel that the thread cost is minimal.  I did use stabilizer and topper, but these can be done with scraps from other projects.
• This can be personalized for each child....and make them feel special.

Consider it!

Looking to enter the water's of baptism.....

We had a great time this weekend.  Not only did we get to "fly away" from home, but we were able to be present when one of our grandchildren was baptized.  In the above photo, everyone was checking out the Baptismal Font prior to the service.  You can imagine how intriguing this is to a sweet 8-year-old.  

The Baptism program was done so well, I really wanted to share their 'program' with you. The Stake Primary was in charge of planning the Baptism program.  Six children were being Baptized.  I was asked to be the Chorister, so I arrived early to learn what songs we would be singing.  A member of the Stake Primary Presidency was kind enough to explain their process.

They were sooooooo organized.  I was given a White binder.  Inside the binder were tabs.  The first tab was the Opening Song with a copy of  Baptism (#100) behind the tab. Another tab had a listing of other songs and hymns that were to be sung during the waiting period after the baptism, but before the confirmation (see the list below).  The program was well organized so that everyone knew what was happening and when.  

While I was being oriented, my Grandson and his father were having their photo taken in front of a picture of the Savior.  Then, this sweet form entitled "Baptismal Covenant" was signed.  My Son-in-Law signed on two lines, one for the person performing the Baptism and a second for Confirmation.  The other signatures were from a member of the Stake Presidency who was presiding and a member of the Stake Primary Presidency.  My sweet Grandson decided to put his 'John Hancock" on the form as well.  The photo was printed out and attached to the form during the service!  I was so impressed by this.  

The Opening exercises were held in the Chapel and began with the song Baptism (#100), Prayer, welcome and a talk about Baptism including pictures about the Savior's Baptism.  A special musical number by 2 children (another of my sweet grandson's!) was offered.  We then moved to another room where the Baptismal Font was located.  

After the Baptism, the congregation sang the following while we waited for the children to change and return with their fathers.  (These songs were either printed in order and by hymn number, or had the lyrics to the songs from the Children's Song Book printed on the back of the program).

Come, Follow Me (#116)

I Am a Child of God (#301)

Teach Me to Walk in the Light (#304)

I Know My Father Lives (#302)

Keep the Commandments (#303)

Love One Another (#308)

Afterwards, a talk about the Holy Ghost was given, and then the children were confirmed by their Father's.  A member of the Bishopric gave remarks as did the member of the Stake Presidency.  Each child was given their copy of the Baptismal Covenant and a small gift box that contains small cards with spiritual thoughts on them.

The Closing song was When I Am Baptized (#103) and was sung by the congregation.  

As with anything well organized, there were 'behind the scenes' things that occurred. Each family was given a specific time to come and get their Baptismal clothes, each spaced 5 minutes apart.  This kept the line moving and reverent.

If you are wondering what the Baptismal Covenant said, I found the following download with many different options from the Idea Door.  

It was well organized, efficient, and memorable.  It is a special day I think we all will remember, including those who were not of our faith who were invited to witness.

I just thought you might like to know!