Ceremony for the Baptism of Mai Lee Thompson
Today is a special day, a very special day. Today we all are about to witness a most special ceremony. This will be a simple and yet formal Baptism Ceremony....
To begin I would like to refer to Page 966.
"Regardless of the drawbacks and handicaps, every new revelation of truth has given rise to a new cult, and even the restatement of the religion of Jesus must develop a new and appropriate symbolism. Modern man must find some adequate symbolism for his new and expanding ideas, ideals, and loyalties. This enhanced symbol, must arise out of religious living and spiritual experience. This higher symbolism, of a higher civilization, must be predicated on the concept of, the Fatherhood of God and be pregnant with the mighty ideal of the brotherhood of man."
Today, with your help and that of a few seen and unseen friends, I hope we may be able to create some new and meaningful symbolism, while building on the legacy of old.
First, we should consecrate, solely for the purpose of this ceremony, those individuals who will participate directly, in this ceremony. To do so, I will now invoke the promise of Michael our Creator Son, when he said, ...
"Our kingdom is a realm of order, and where two or more will creatures act in co-operation, there is always provided the authority of leadership." ( Page 1958)
For this to properly occur, we will also need your consent, We will ask for this consent, from our community of believers, to be given for the sole and express purpose of this ceremony only. If you agree, you who are seated before us, you who will also act as the witnesses to this ceremony, please confirm and consecrate these proceedings, by freely answering out-loud, when asked, the words, WE AFFIRM.
Consecration of the Elders
[ Lenny ]
Do you, Norma, Eric and Susan, believe in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man?
[ The Three Answer in UNISON ] YES
[ Lenny ] Do you, Norma, Eric and Susan, freely agree, for the sole and express purpose of this ceremony to solemnly act as consecrated elders.
[ The Three Answer in UNISON ] YES [ Lenny ] Will the Witnesses, affirm this declaration ?
[ The congregation will answer in unison] WE AFFIRM
[ Susan ]
Do you, Lenny, believe in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man ?
[ Lenny will answer ] YES
[ Norma ]
Do you Lenny, freely agree, for the sole and express purpose of this ceremony to solemnly act as a consecrated elder.
[ Lenny will answer ] YES [ Eric - while gesturing towards the audience of witnesses ]
Will the Witnesses, affirm this declaration ?
[ The congregation will answer in unison ] WE AFFIRM
Re-Affirmation of the God-Parents
[ Lenny ]
And now, Let us hear the re-affirmation of the God-parents.
[ Norma ] Do you, Mo and Jennifer, believe in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man ?
[ They Answer ] YES
[ Eric ]
Do you both freely agree to fulfill the role of God-Parents and agree to sponsor this child, on behalf of our community?
[They Answer ] YES
[ Susan ]
And To the best of your abilities, do you promise to represent our community and by your example, set those patterns, that will morally and spiritual lend support and wisdom to this family and child?
[They Answer ] YES
[ Lenny ]
Thank You
Re-Affirmation of the Parents
[ Lenny ] And now Let us here the reaffirmation of the Parents.....
[ Eric ]
Do you, Paula and Glen believe in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man ?
[ They Answer ] YES
[ Norma ] Will you provide the parental support and guidance, along with all the religious instructions necessary, to guide May Lee along the glorious path of God-consciousness ?
[ They Answer ] YES
[ Susan ]
And when she attains the age of moral choice and can freely accept membership in the family of god on her own behalf, and if, it is her desire, will you accompany her, and stand beside her, here, before the community and affirm her baptism in earnest ?
[ They Answer ] YES
[ Lenny ]
My friends, you have heard the questions asked and the affirmative answers given, now on behalf of our community will you accept and acknowledge these statements by answering out-loud and in unison, by saying WE AFFIRM..........
[ The congregation will answer in unison] WE AFFIRM
The Great Mystery
[ Lenny ]
Wonderful, and now in order to invoke a great mystery, may we be mindful of the words of the Master when he said,...
[ Susan ]
"... for, where two or three of you agree concerning any of these things...
[ Eric ]
... and ask of me, it shall be done for you...
[ Norma ]
... if your petition is not inconsistent with the will of my Father in heaven". ( Page 1763)
[ Lenny ]
Before us now stand three freely confessed and consecrated believers, ...
[ The Three Respond in UNISON ]
"And all this is ever true, for, where two or three believers are gathered together, there am I in the midst of them." ( Page 1763)
[ Lenny ]
For the singular purpose of this ceremony, I will ask that they be allowed to symbolically act on behalf of the Mystery of the Trinity, Do the three agree? [ The Three Respond in UNISON ] WE DO
The Blessing of the Baptism Water
[ Lenny ]
In this jar, is pure mountain water, I now ask that you give it your blessing.
[ Eric ]
While standing in the water before John the Baptist, ... Jesus whispered to John: "Bear with me now, for it becomes us to set this example for my brothers"
In the name of the Father, this Water I Bless.
[ Norma ]
In private conversation with Thomas, Jesus said "The new birth, the baptism of the spirit, is essential to deliverance from evil and necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven".
In the name of the Son, this Water I Bless.
[ Susan ]
John the Baptist said: "...while I baptize with water, there has been among us one who will return to baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
In the name of the Spirit, this Water I Bless.
The Baptism Ceremony
[ Lenny ]
I now Baptize thee May Lee Thompson, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Infinite Sprit, may their Angels Protect thee and keep thee safe from mischief, and may your parents cheerfully guide you spiritually along until the bestowal of Gods Mystery into your heart and whose presence, will unfailing lead you to the First Source and Center, to the very heart of Paradise.
[ The Three Respond in UNISON ]
"These are our beloved children, whom in time, we are well pleased"
[ Lenny ]
You are now discharged from service with our profound thanks.
The Closing
This jar of Baptismal water I now put in your hands, for safe keeping for May Lee, so that, if it is her desire, she may once again use its symbolism to re-affirm her own personal beliefs. It is now my pleasure to formally declare that the beloved child of the proud parents Paula and Glen Thompson, sister to Jeanie and Nathan, God-child to Jennifer and Mo Siegel, baby May Lee Thompson, you are now a member of our spiritual community and under the protection thereof until such time as you may be old enough to make these decision for yourself.
And now these children before us have a gift for you May Lee,
[ Presentation of the Gift ]
[ The Song ]
Thank You...
Having discharged our duties, I now close this ceremony and invite Paula and Glen to escort May Lee in her introduction to the community.