We're finishing up a rotation about Jesus' baptism this week, and on the last Sunday of the month, I try to have a special reflection lesson for all the elementary kids together. I had wanted to do an intergenerational baptism lesson, but our education system here is divided. Adult Ed has different elders and committee members, so they have their own thing going on that weekend.
Anyone have any ideas for refecting upon baptism itself or Jesus' baptism? Keep in mind that the kids have talked about symbolism and have done some tactile lessons with water during the rotation lessons. One of our pastors is willing to come talk to the kids, and we're hoping to view baptism from a different perspective. Another thing to keep in mind is that while we are a Presbyterian church and baptize babies, there is a strong Baptist undercurrent here in the South, so many of the families have chosen to wait until their kids feel ready to be baptized. Therefore, we want to be cognizant and respectful of that decision.
So any ideas?
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2 comments:
Being respectful for the Presbyterian roots is important. I have made that a point while at UPC.
However, we have had some kids wait as well. They opted for baptism at Jr. High. This meant that upon completion of Confirmation the kids will go through baptism.
I think that baptism is particularly difficult to teach in Presby churches because of the infant baptism. Baptism is such a decision based rite and yet infant baptism removes that.
Perhaps one of the pastors would be willing to teach on baptism. Teach what it means. Teach the kids to "remember their baptism" (a phrase we use at UPC) every time someone gets baptized (or perhaps even every time the child gets wet).
We do a Communion class to teach the kids how to take communion and what it means. It is taught by a pastor on a Sunday evening. Something along the same lines would be appropriate.
The "why infant baptism?" and "why adult baptism?" was always interesting to me even in Jr. Hi. aged Presbyterian but I don't know what age would benefit most from that kind of presentation.
The Evangelical Covenant respects either decision so at Artisan one pastor dedicated his baby and explained to the congregation why they chose to dedicate. One pastor chose to baptize his baby and he explained to the congregation why they chose to baptize. They did both during the same service. The few children present weren't old enough to really understand.
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