In my church (Yio Chu Kang Gospel Hall), Holy Communion is taken every Sunday and it's for those who have publicly identified with Christ through baptism. Holy Communion is a practice started by Jesus to remind his disciples that he died to save them:
Luke 22:19-20 NIV
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
So my children grew up in this church watching Daddy and Mommy take the Holy Communion every Sunday. I explained to Calder that Mei Mei would now take Holy Communion as well, because she had been baptized. Calder not yet, because Calder had not been baptized. (He didn't look very happy about that.)
A fellow autism parent was among those who underwent baptism with Ethel and she asked me: Can our autistic sons be baptised too? That's a tricky question, because I didn't think our church had ever conducted baptism for the intellectually disabled. Would they be able to understand the baptism class? Calder, for one, can only communicate about what he sees, e.g. what he eats, what bus he takes. Would he understand the significance of baptism, which symbolizes dying to our old self and rising anew with Jesus? Would he be able to give genuine consent during the vows?
Calder had been attending an autism program (Shalom Friends) at another church (St Andrew's Cathedral), so I asked the teacher-in-charge if they conduct baptism for the autistic. They do! It's an Anglican church that does baptism for infants and they are in fact planning to conduct baptism for Shalom Friends. There's no problem baptising Calder. Invitation was sent out to members of Shalom Friends and baptism class started, taught visually. Caregivers were given the baptism class materials to go through with candidates. There were also rehearsals in which parents said the baptism vows together with their children.
Last Saturday (18 Oct 2025), Calder was baptized, together with two other autistic youths, in St Andrew's Cathedral.
I had told Calder he was to go up the stage when his name was called. I hadn't expected his name to be mentioned twice before that and so had to stop him from going up too soon. Calder was very happy to see relatives at the service. And especially excited seeing his sister. He started turning around to search for Daddy.
It was an orderly service with script flashed on the screen for candidates and their families, and the congregation to respond aloud. Worship was immersive, featuring many contemporary songs that Calder was familiar with (which enlivened him). The band was very professional (I never knew the drum could make such a difference). Thus absorbed, I realised that worship is sheer enjoyment because it's about basking in God's presence, appreciating his goodness and love. And responding in kind: Lord, I love you too. The sermon spoke from Zephaniah 3: 9-20 about God's rejoicing over his people. We were expecting one candidate to become restless but the baptism ceremony went very smoothly, including photo-taking. I was especially moved by how Reverend Daniel gazed at our children as he prayed blessings upon them. At the end of the service, Shalom Friends hosted a pizza party for members and their families.
The teacher-in-charge had assured me someone would take photos and videos; caregivers could simply enjoy the special moment. That was a very thoughtful arrangement and sure enough, the pictures and videos were sent to us in Google drive late that night.
And so Calder was baptized at 20 years old. It was a meaningful rite of passage. As I look over the 20 years, I marvel at God's faithful provision and protection.
Like the benediction said, may Calder experience the presence and love of God every day. And may he find joy in God's presence forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment