Baptisms

As children reach their 8th birthday, it is time for a very special event. In our church that age heralds the age of reason, a time when a child is ready to realize the importance of baptisms. In our family three grandchildren have that birthday in 2012. And on Saturday, 8/5/12, two of them were baptized. 

Here is Kaitlyn Hammari's invitation. The whole family would have liked to be in New Hampshire when she was baptized by her Dad. 

And here is David and his Dad at their Stake Center before his baptism.

Since this was happening in Provo, all of the Utah family were able to be here. And many of them participated  in the program.

Here is part of the printed program:

"Baptism Program

Conducting: Bishop Ethan Shumway

Pianist: Jenny Farnsworth, Cousin

Music leader: Kelly Freeman, Aunt

Opening Prayer: Shirley Mangum, Grandmother

Talk on Baptism: Kelly Freeman, Aunt

Baptismal Ordinance: Ganon Connelly will baptize David Connelly

Witnesses: John Connelly, Grandfather

                   Michael Mangum, Grandfather

Talk on Holy Ghost: Jon Connelly, Uncle

Confirmation: Ganon Connelly will Confirm David Connelly

Closing Prayer: Marilyn Connelly, Grandmother"

And here is Becca giving a hug to her brother

Kelly multitasked. She lead the music and she gave a really good talk, directed mostly to David about the importance of the life changing step he was about to take.

Here is some of the scriptures she used as part of the talk:

Mosiah 18: 8-10

"…and now as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"

David received this reminder of our love and commitment to Jesus Christ and our fellow men.

Uncle Jon gave a good talk about the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Kimie and Ben were part of the West Valley family in attendance

After the program the family enjoyed luncheon organized by Heidi and other family ladies. 

Here David takes care of Joseph.

The fun is not over. Later this year Lily Reynolds will turn 8 and be baptized. We are happy for her as we are for Kaitlyn and David.