A Special Day

Today my ten-year-old son was baptized. He began talking to us about wanting to be baptized over a year ago. He had seen several baptisms already, but he began to talk more concretely about it after hearing the Godly Play baptism story a couple of times. 

When we were sure that he was ready, we planned to have the baptism at a lake in Berlin, not knowing for what the weather would do in late September. It had been raining in torrents earlier in the week, but today turned out to be a perfect autumn day. My son's special day began with some worship songs that he picked out for the service. 

 Then, he gave a short interview to let us know 

why he wanted to be baptized. 

And then it was into the water with Dad (who is a pastor)!

Just as they got ready, the sun came out and shone right on them.

Trying to light the baptismal candle - not an easy task in the wind!

With his baptismal candle.

Being prayed for by his godparents, religion teacher, 

and children's church teacher.

A bunch of ducks starting quacking during the prayer, so they evidently wanted to join in the prayer as well!

And afterwards there was a celebration!  With a special cake . . . 

and lots of friends!