It's not about tradition, well maybe a little bit

While we were in Sydney for Christmas we decided to have Ezzy baptised. When in "The Gong" we attend church with Al's family at Figtree Anglican so we asked the Pastors there if they could do us a favour and hold a baptism the Sunday before Christmas! We did the same for Miriam when she was that age, so I think they were used to our unusual requests.

Pastor Stuart Starr presenting Ezzy to the congregation at the end of the baptism

There are many views within the Christian church about baptism. Some denominations conduct a water baptism (such as at Figtree) when they are babies and a confirmation of faith as teenagers/adults. Others won't water baptise babies as they believe the child should make that decision for themselves.

Splash them with water, dont' splash them with water, to be frank I don't really care. What the moment is about (for me) is dedicating my child to God. Thanking Him for the gift that He has given us and asking our Church family to help us raise our child(ren) to know Him. It is about asking our family to stand with us, including those that don't normally attend church, in declaring that we are grateful for what God has given us and will do our best to look after His treasure.

The tradition of our baptisms, with both the girls, comes from them wearing a 61 year old baptismal gown that was made by their Groot-Oma (Al's Oma) for Allan's father when he was born. Al's dad and all his siblings wore it, as did Allan, his sisters and brother. It has been a privilege for our two girls to wear the same dress for their baptisms. Needless to say I have been extremely careful when taking it on and off so as not to tear it! We would like the legacy of the dress to go on for all the other great-grandchildren that might come along.

Thank you to our family who attended on the day, it was a great moment to have you celebrate with us. And a BIG thank you to Figtree Anglican Church for accommodating us, again, at such a busy time of year. We appreciate you accepting us into your church family for such an occasion.