Sunday, January 13, 2008

A new godson!

I've just become a godmother. (Again.) No, not of a baby. Of a 22-year-old young man. We baptized him this morning, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. He has been attending our little church/chaplaincy in Greensboro and had never been baptized, and recently he requested baptism. (I am, by the way, writing all this with his permission. I'm careful about the privacy of family, friends, and anyone I have remotely or not so remotely dealt with in pastoral care or teaching.) His partner, another young man in his twenties, is a cradle Episcopalian and they have been coming to liturgy together these last months.

My new godson is named Robbie and, as the proud godmomma, I must tell you that in addition to being a sweet and good human being, he is a budding physicist with a background in math and computer science. Like many young adults he has had his ups and downs (so have some of us middle-aged folks) and it was good to receive and celebrate the love of God, the power of the Spirit, and the support of the community of the friends of Jesus. Our Chaplain, Kevin, preached a wonderful sermon and the small congregation sang happily and with gusto, and Robbie has been glowing with a beautiful warm smile.

Baptismal sponsors (Robbie had three) aren't necessarily called godparents, but Robbie and I both want to use that term, so I am his godmother and he is my godson. I am deeply honored that he asked me to be his godmother for many reasons you can imagine and many more besides.

Pray for Robbie and rejoice that he prays with us. Rejoice in the gifts that he and his partner bring to the community of faith. It was good for all of us in the church to renew our baptismal promises today. Thanks be to Godde! Alleluia.

3 comments:

June Butler said...

Prayers for and congratulations to Robbie, the new member of our family and the budding physicist.

Congratulations to you, too, Jane, his godmother. An honor, indeed.

johnieb said...

It is such a blessing to be a Godfather, though because I am lately arrived to the custom (my original denomination practices "Believers' Baptism"). I have as yet two Godsons, and no Goddaughters yet, alas, though Nolan's sister seems to claim me.

johnieb said...

Oops on the first "." above.