Group Baptism held Saturday, July 17, 2010

                  As the small group of approximately 25 of us gathered together to witness our Church’s first group Baptism at the American River, we all agreed we had been blessed with a wonderful day.  Even though the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was swiftly reaching the 100 degree mark, those of us gathered under the bridge felt a wonderful peace.  As Fr. Dane started intoning the opening prayers, none of us felt uncomfortable with the heat.  We simply listened to the words being said and waited with anticipation. 

Less than 20 yards away from us, we were aware that rafters on the river were full of playfulness as their shouts of joy and peals of laughter floated over the water towards us.  Surprisingly, as soon as the service began, all was focused on Fr. Dane and Fr. William as prayers were read, responses were sung and vows were taken. 

None of us had ever witnessed or participated in an outside River Baptism before.  We were all deeply moved at the sanctity of the moment as the service progressed.  The Catechumens stood quietly all dressed in shining white – several of them in flowing robes.  The children were all quiet and observant of all that was transpiring.  Those who were Kumovi held their lit candles and sheltered their brilliant flames from the breezes that occasionally wafted over us.  Those who came simply to be present and act as silent witnesses sang responses or took pictures. 

As the beauty of the service unfolded, all agreed that we were in our ‘own bubble’ – time seemed to stand still as we waited for the moment when each person would take their own personal walk to the water.  When the moment finally came, each person entered the American River where Fr. Dane Popovic awaited them.  As Fr. Dane placed his hand lovingly on the person’s bowed head, he gently urged them down and under the water.  After the third immersion, the person was released and returned to the shore bathed in smiles and happiness. As each person approached the shore, Fr. William Weir was waiting for them.  He Chrismated  each person as he welcomed them into the Church.  After Fr. Dane emerged from the River, each person was tonsured by him as they became a new servant of God.  As they offered their first gift to God – pieces of the hair from their heads – there was a giggle heard when he tried to get enough from the baby’s almost bald head. 

The service quickly moved to its end with the concluding prayers.  As Fr. Dane and Fr. William welcomed each person into our Christian family, the Kumovi and guests all surged forward to offer their own congratulations.   Tears and smiles were shared by all. 

Onge Popovic remembers the day with joy.  “All was surreal.  I am so thankful Fr. Dane suggested we go to the river.  It was a wonderful experience.  The River made it seem so natural and special.”  Julia waited 2 years for the Baptism to take place.  “I’m happy with the way the day turned out.  My son especially liked playing with his new friends.”  The group remained together and spent the afternoon getting to know each other.  Crosses were blessed, lunch was shared and some of the children even played in the water! 

The next day was Sunday.  All 7 newly Baptized Christians were again waiting – this time for Communion.  They had all decided that they wanted the newness to keep going.  As Onge noted, “Our first Communion was so incredible!  It had taken us only 24 hours to be where we had wanted to be for so long – in front of the chalice receiving Holy Communion.”  Julia agreed.   “My son and I waited a long time to receive Holy Communion.  Now we feel complete.”

As the newly Baptized Christians left the Church, they had another surprise.  Everyone reached out to hug, kiss and welcome each of them to our Family.  Yes, the children were shy, but they responded.  Yes, the baby clung to Mom, but she too was kissed.  Yes, the Mothers were surrounded and welcomed.  Yes, the Kumovi were all smiles. Yes, the Fathers were happy that now their families were also part of the Church family.  We can only Thank God that His Son showed us the way when he was Baptized in the River Jordan all those many years ago.

May God Grant His Newly Baptized Christians Many Years

Onge, Mika, Sava, Luka, Julia, Luka and Ivana

May God Grant their Kumovi and Husbands Many Years

     Branko, Ljuba, Nevenka, Nenad, Tanya and Slobo

“The penitent man emerges from the waters of Baptism washed, sanctified, and justified (see 1 Cor. 6:11).  All he needs is faith.  The one who has “faith in Christ Jesus” and who is “baptized into Him” can rest assured that he has “clothed himself with Christ.”  In that salvation, there is “neither Jew nor Greek” (see Gal. 3:26-28).”

“The love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us in Baptism.  Our liturgical experience of Baptism thus forms the basis for our trust in God’s goodness.  When we were baptized, God poured out His love into our hearts.  ‘Pour out (Gk. Ekxeo) means ‘to gush forth abundantly, to spill around.’  Its use here shows how abundantly God lavishes His love upon us:  here is no careful portioning out of His compassion, but a reckless, drenching, unstinting shower.  When the Holy Spirit is so powerfully bestowed in baptismal initiation (in what today is called Chrismation), it is a testimony to the boundless love God has for believers and to our security in Him.  How amazing is this love!”                 Quotes taken from The Epistle to the Romans, A Gospel for All, The Orthodox Bible study Companion by Archpriest Lawrence Farley.

Monday August  9 – St Pantaleimon – Pantaleja
Divine Liturgy at 9am. – Sveta Liturgija

Wednesday, August  11, No Akatist at 6:00pm No  Bible study  6:30 pm

Saturday August 14, 2010 Vespers at 6:00p.m.

THE BRKIC TRIPLETS TO PERFORM IN OUR CHURCH Hall,.

You are INVITED to a most uniqe Spiritual- cultural Performence  – 6:30pm

11th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

August 8-14, 2010

Holy Nun-martyr Paraskeva of Rome;

St Sava3, Archbishop of Serbia;

Prepodobnomuc. Paraskeva

Petka; Sv. Sava 3, Arhiepiskop Srpski;

August 28, 2010-

Crkvena Slava

Invitation Letter

Pamphlet