Lesley Gaspar baptized yesterday at HSC

A highlight of yesterday’s worship at HSC was the baptism of Lesley Gaspar. While Brian proclaimed the blessing and Erik poured the baptismal waters, members of the congregation joined in the laying on of hands (both a symbolic and formal method of invoking the Holy Spirit) in prayerful support of Lesley. It was indeed a special moment!

For those unaccustomed to baptism by pouring, we share the following information from The United Methodist Book of Worship:

“United Methodists may baptize by any of the modes used by Christians. Candidates or their parents have the choice of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion; and pastors and congregations should be prepared to honor requests for baptism in any of these modes. Each mode brings out part of the rich and diverse symbolism given to baptism by the Bible. Each is a form of washing which symbolizes the washing away of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Being totally buried in water and raised from it is also a powerful symbol of our burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and of being born anew of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). Pouring or sprinkling water upon the candidate’s head also signifies God’s pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:9-10: Luke 3:21-22; Acts 2:38; 19:1-7).”