It was a beautiful day for a baptism at Bunessan Church today!  We had the joy of officiating at the baptism of Seren Alison Johnston.  She is an adorable baby and was delightful, stealing everyone's hearts during the service (though it looks like the festivities have worn her out by photo time!)  Her dad Andy grew up on Iona and her grandparents, former owners of the St. Columba Hotel, still live there.  Her mom Jennifer grew up in Bunessan and was baptized herself at the Bunessan Church. Seren (her name means "star" in Welsh) has two older brothers, looking very handsome. She also has a sister who boycotted the photo ops. All the siblings were lively participants in the occasion!

Jerry was the preacher for the day and had an awesome sermon about baptism. He shared a touching story about a baptism he participated in when he was Clerk of Session in Evanston. The service from the Scottish Common Order is very similar to PCUSA.  The Bunessan congregation has a tradition of singing "The Lord bless you and keep you" as the baby is presented to the congregation. Just like at FPCAH, they love giving the baby a pat. 

The font was decorated with local spring flowers and some were floated in the water, a lovely touch we had not seen before.  The parents get to choose a favorite hymn for the service, and not surprisingly chose "Jesus Loves Me."  The congregation gives the mom flowers and the baby a book.

What is a church occasion without food?  The bakers at Bunessan were hard at work with lots of delicious treats for coffee time following the service.

Though we were a long way from home, what stood out most for us today was that we could have closed our eyes and been in Arlington Heights or Downers Grove.  Truly, there is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.  Ephesians 4:4-6.