Henry Brown

Henry’s baptism was a fantastic and very special occasion for us and it was great to spend the day celebrating with our amazing families and friends. In the weeks preceding Henry’s baptism we were filled with a sense of excitement and nervousness. Having bought his outfit two months prior to the date of his baptism our main concern was whether it would still fit our chunky monkey who seemed to be growing at an alarming rate! In the few days before the day of his baptism, Henry was showing the classic signs of a baby who was ready to be weaned onto “solids”. We ignored these requests for baby rice and mashed carrot, however, and restricting him to a milk-only diet, we managed to squeeze him into his outfit! (We take full responsibility for his crying during the service. He was probably hungry!!!)

The baptism service, lead by Denise, was fantastic and felt very special and personal. We had requested a number of hymns and these were all incorporated in the service including Lexie’s choice, “He’s got the Whole World in His Hands” (she particularly loves the verse, “He’s got you and my brother in His hands, He’s got you and me sister in His hands” and sings this to Henry regularly!) Denise was keen to involve Lexie in the service and so, with her Godmother, Michelle, Lexie collected the water in which Henry was baptised and held the oil with which Henry was signed, by Denise and by us, with the cross. The promises that we made as parents during the service were said by us with great enthusiasm and sincerity and the part of the service in which the church congregation promise to support us and Henry in our journeys was very powerful. Having been regular members of the congregation since Lexie’s birth in 2006, it is a blessing to know that we are supported, loved and prayed for by our church family. At the end of the service when Henry was presented with his baptismal candle, Lexie’s candle was also lit as it was the three year anniversary of her own baptism. We look forward to re-lighting their candles on many anniversaries to come.

After the service we, together with over 50 of our friends and family members had a fantastic lunch at Mapperley Golf Club and spent the afternoon chatting and sharing memories. We are very proud to be part of a church which our friends and family describe so positively.

We felt incredibly privileged that Henry was to be the first baby to be baptised by Denise and know this will be a special bond that they will share forever. Writing this story offers another opportunity to thank Denise for making the service so special and to thank Phil, Denise and everyone at St James for their support in our journeys so far... and Henry very much enjoyed his first taste of pureed carrot the following day, safe in the knowledge that he was now part of the church family! 

Danielle, Stuart, Lexie and Henry Brown.