BABY QUINN ABIGAIL ON THE DAY SHE WAS BAPTIZED...I finally got the pictures from our trip downloaded. This is Quinn on October 1, 2006 in Seattle, WA. I have another photo of her with her grandfather who was able to baptize her at her family's home church but I could only choose one picture! Here she is at a little over 5 months old.
For those who aren't familiar with baptizing babies or who consider it an empty, unbiblical tradition, I'm not here to convert you.* I just want you to know that the Biblical aspect of it is tied to circumcision in the Old Testament where the infant was not old enough to make a decision re whether he wanted to be a part of the covenant family. His parents made the decision for him until he was old enough to turn away. Meanwhile, he had all the advantage of being part of that community (prayed for by them, taught by them, influenced by them, etc.) until he made his personal commitment at age 12 or 13. For Quinn, there is no set age, but at some point, she will receive Christ for herself (we pray).

Meanwhile, she is part of the covenant community/visible church until then. One of the vows made during the baptism is by the congregation that they will support this family and encourage them and pray for them, etc. That is one of the "why's" of Sunday School, prayer for the children of our church, youth ministry, etc. To build them up, teach them God's Word on a level they understand so they will understand what it means to be a christian and how it applies to their everyday life and at an early age, repent of their sin and receive cleansing from Christ.

This is an awesome responsibility for her parents and extended family. It is also an important responsibility for all of the members of the church as we seek to encourage our children who grow up in the church whether it is through direct, formal ministry to them or indirectly as we model the christian life before them and encourage them personally in their walk of faith.
Welcome Quinn to our family and welcome to your covenant family as well.

*(I really meant it when I said I'm not trying to convince you. I do have Biblical texts for this, but am not including them here since that is not the purpose of my blog at this time.)