Pastor Claude Thomas Weblog

By Heather Carreiro

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Although the same Bible verse from Matthew 28:19 may be used during both baptisms and christenings, the ceremonies do have different feels to them. A baptism is generally less formal and liturgical than a christening ceremony. In recent times, child baptisms have started taking place in the midst of a church service on Sunday, rather than on a separate date. Answering the following questions will help you start planning your child’s baptism service.

When should the service take place?

Before deciding if the baptism should take place during a Sunday service or on a separate date, think about how many people you plan to invite who do not regularly attend your church. If it’s less a dozen close friends and relatives, you’re probably better off inviting them to attend the church service in order to witness your child’s baptism. If you plan to invite a large number of guests that will not be able to fit in the church along with the regular members, then you should plan your event at a separate time. Discuss options with your pastor or minister to see when he is available and when the church hall is available for your function. If you plan to invite guests from out of town, it’s best to schedule the date for a weekend and send out baptism invitations at least one month in advance.

How old should my child be?

This question really depends on how you, personally, see baptism and where your home church stands on the issue. Many denominations will only allow children to be baptized when they are old enough to issue a statement of faith and a personal testimony of their relationship with God. Other denominations will baptize infants and toddlers whose parents are the initiators of the rite.

By Judy H. Wright

Who owns the problem; Parent or Child? It is tempting for parents to assume ownership and responsibility for everything that goes on in the life of their child. However, when the parent jumps in too soon to solve the problem or give the answer, the child never learns to trust his own judgment and become a critical thinker.

Look at the list of situations and see if you can figure out who owns the problem?

1. Throws a tantrum in the grocery store if they don’t get what they want.

2. Fighting with their brother or sister.

3. Leaving their jacket on the floor.

4. Getting in trouble on the playground.

5. Not turning in their homework

6. Not going to bed on time

7. Doesn’t give you a phone message

8. Does a sloppy job on the dishes

9. Talks with mouth full of food at the dinner table

10. Says no one likes him at school

11. Forgets to tie his shoes

12. Drinks a beer with friends, even though he is only 12.

Who owns the problem; Parent or Child? It is easy for parents to assume ownership and responsibility for everything that goes on in the life of their child. However, when the parent jumps in too soon to solve the problem or give the answer, the child never learns to trust his own judgment and be a critical thinker.

If a child is kept from satisfying a purpose or if the natural consequences teach a life lesson,the Child owns the problem.

The parents do not own the problem because the behavior does not interfere with them. If it does interfere with their happiness or peace of mind, then it is a joint problem and we will work together to solve it.

If the child is satisfying his or her own purposes and the child’s behavior is not interfering with the parents, then there is no problem in the relationship. If no one really minds jackets on the living room floor, then don’t argue about it. Teach them to be organized at another time.

If the child is satisfying his or her own purposes but the child’s behavior is interfering with the parents, then the parents own the problem. If the child is drinking beer, it is not only against the law, but it is a dangerous practice and must have intervention.

Pick Your Battles, But Stick to Your Guns

If the behavior is only irritating, you may choose to let it slide and focus on the big picture. If the unacceptable behavior is infringing on the rights of others or is clearly negative in nature, you must set boundaries and consequences.

How the child chooses to react to the boundary is his choice. If he proceeds to make a wrong choice, it is his problem. Your job is to make the rules and consequences very clear. It is your child’s job to make right choices more often than not.

Not Easy to See Who Owns The Problem

It isn’t always easy to spot the ownership and the consequences of behavior. However, it is only through assuming personal responsibility that children and adults become contributing members of society. If each one of us assumes responsibility for our own choices and actions, it will be a much better world.