Noelle's Baptism

 This has been an interesting year church-wise for us. Luke and I had been feeling some disconnect with Alpine for a while. Then, when covid hit and everything went online, we really had pause to think and pray about church. An easy decision was not letting online worship be our Sunday morning routine. We did it for a few weeks with Alpine, but found it to be deeply lacking. As Lucy put it, "We can see them, but they can't see us." Exactly. At a time when we are all isolated and separated, we all want to be seen. We want to be connected! So it did not take long before we were ready to start "Driveway Church." We invited several families, who we thought might be interested. We decorated the driveway with chalk to give each family a distanced "pew" in the circle. Luke started putting together weekly liturgy, and we shifted gears for many months. Church became simpler and sweeter as we connected with a few families each week on a deeper level. Everyone gets to participate - to read scripture, pray, start songs, share testimony, etc. The Siliverthornes and Rotzlers have been our main church community, though several other families have come and gone including the Coppingers and Hatchets. 

All this to say, it was an affirmation that God is at work even as church changed shape for us this year when Noelle took this step. She decided a few days ago that she was ready to be baptized because she "loves Jesus." Luke and I took her out for a walk and treat at Silver Grizzly to talk about what it means to be baptized. We happened to be sketched by a woman from a sketching club as we sat in the garden talking. It was precious to capture this moment as there is nothing that brings us greater joy than pointing our kids to Jesus and seeing faith take root in them. 

We had a very sweet morning of celebrating her new birth on Sunday. She was celebrated big by all of Driveway Church plus the Gooches. We had breakfast before worship and Luke baptized her just before communion in the Rotzlers' pool. Sweet Chandler had made homemade communion that morning and made Noelle a piece with her name on it for her first communion. It was also her first sip of wine... ha! And she is pretty perplexed as to why Luke and I enjoy drinking wine at all. She's hoping for juice next time! 

She got a bible and colored pencils from her family, cards and goodies from friends and extended family. We are so thankful for this little sister in Christ and look forward to seeing her continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge of how BIG His love is for her!