An Invitation to Union Baptism

This week at the Coffee Morning Cliff bought over a poem to me that he had written coming upto the 1st Anniversary of My Baptism, which took place 13th March 2011.

An Invitation to Union Baptism

Minister David's welcome
To the Baptism
of four candidates
to be bathed in the waters
not from the sea
nor the Euphrates of Jordan
Just Anglian Water
at thirty degrees

With hymns and prayers
David conducts
a reverent friendly
Praise the Lord
Baptism

Carol, Dawn, Joanna and Sandy
their testimony revealed
moving personal declarations
of their pathway
to be blessed
and gently submerged
by the minister
in the welcome waters
of the Baptist faith

enfolded in a pool of hope
coming together
of God body and soul
they emerge
faith declared

service over
I must away
leaving with mustering thoughts
of a quadruple
Union Baptism - March 2011

By  Clifford Nicholas

On a journey!

For a while now i have felt i am being lead on a journey to i know not where, it started about September 2009, i would guess, all though my faith and belief is strong, my knowledge and commitment needed more focus, i began Bible study, and as my knowledge and commitment to God grew, so did my feeling of being on a journey to do something, i know not what.

One of the keystones of this Journey (so far) was my Baptism on the 13th March 2011, but the feeling is growing that God has a lot more in store for me, i know not what.

I feel compelled with the need to get more involved in Ministry and Pastoral care, but the concept is frightening.

I am not very confident with speaking in front of a congregation and communication with people, also i do have a tendancy to carry peoples problems with me and can't let go, i get so worried about other peoples problems, but have difficulty showing it as i don't want to appear to be interfering, this is where i need to learn to show my compassion, while respecting a persons need for privacy, while caring enough, not letting it worry me so much it drags me and my family down (if that makes sense).

I always have been very empathic, but maybe this is why i am being led in this direction, to challenge myself, i need and want this challege.

I am also very keen to make churchs more approachable for people not used to churches and less intimidating, i overheard at church some months ago someone saying to a visitor in church, that she was saving a chair for her friend!!

I feel that this is a challenging time for myself and the church, reading church magazines and literature, there is a lot of good happening which is so moving and inspirational.

I would love to go on a christian course or workshop of some description.

My Baptism Hymn

Father, I place into your hands the things that i can't do Father, I palce into your hands the times that I've been through. Father, I place into your hands the way that i should go, for I know I always can trust you.

Father, I place into your hands my friends and family. Father, I place into your hands the things that trouble me. Father, i place in to your hands the person i would be, for i know i always can trust you

Father, we love to seek your face, we love to hear your voice. Father, we love to sing your praise, and in your name rejoice. Father, we love to talk with you and in your presence rest, for we know we always can trust you.

Father, I want to be with you and do things you do. Father, i want to speak the words that you are speaking too. Father, I want to love the ones that you will draw to you, for i know that i am one with you