Sage Virginia's Baptism, Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, MA

I feel that this day was such an extra special day for me in that I performed the baptism of the baby girl of a couple I'd married nearly two years ago at the Chatham Bars Inn, Jared and Rebecca Toman. I was so touched that the parents asked me to do this baptismal service for their beautiful baby daughter born on February 7, 2011.

Friends and family flew or drove all the way from Virginia to celebrate together the naming and Christening of Sage Virginia Toman. It was such a joyous, special sacrament held on the side lawn of the Chatham Bars Inn, in Chatham, MA. Rebecca and Jared had hoped to hold the Sage's baptism in the same

gazebo in which they'd been married nearly two years ago, however, that same gazebo had now become a fine wine bar!

I'm including the original wedding photo of Rebecca and Jared during their service in the gazebo. To carry meaning forward to this baptism ceremony, Rebecca arranged to have part of her wedding dress designed and sewn to be Sage's Christening gown. The white gown looked so beautiful on her and Sage had the most beautiful face and her temperament was so calm - in fact, she slept for some of the service, laying peacefully in her mother's arms.

Godparents Jean and Justin stood nearby Rebecca, Jared and Sage, vowing to love and protect and guide Sage Virginia. It was the July 4th holiday weekend and passers by craned their necks to catch a view of Rebecca and Jared with their beautiful baby. The weather was gorgeous and sunny - a perfect day to stand on the lush lawn of the Inn, blessing Sage Virginia's life journey. My wife, Lianne, took photos of the service, and captured Sage looking up at me just prior to my blessing her with the holy water. Here is a small piece of my special baptismal service for Sage Virgina Toman:

"Sage Virginia, may this water, a symbol of purification, sanctification and life, remind your parents and all those here who will play a significant role in your life, that your mission in this world is to grow in both the love of the Creator and all human beings by living a life of good example which will be a source of illumination for all. Sage, use your eyes to behold the Glory of God in creation. Use your hearing to listen to the Voice of God within you. Use your taste to thank God for the nourishment He gives you. Use your sense of smell to draw into your body God’s breath by which we live. Use your touch to heal and console your fellow human beings upon this planet. In the name of God and of generations before and after us, you are baptized into the mystical union of souls upon the earth. We rejoice that You are here and we ask You, dear God, to bless and protect Sage Virginia Toman, now and forever."

Amen.

Rebecca and Jared, Justin and Jean, thank you for including me in the blessing of your daughter/Goddaughter.

Sage Virginia, it was a distinct honor of mine to deliver your baptismal service!