Thread: Baptism of Master Strange - your invitation Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


To visit this thread, use this URL:
http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=022009

---

Posted by Jonathan Strange (# 11001) on :
 
Dear Shippies

In my time on board the Ship of Fools I have received such love and support that I can hardly tell. This is all the more amazing that I've only met about two shipmates in real life and yet I've enjoyed the prayer support of a whole community. Many of you have supported us through the horrors of four miscarriages over a number of years, so it is only right that can celebrate with us, now that Master Strange has arrived.

We're baptising him on 13 May 2012 at St Paul's Church, Leamington Spa, and you're invitied.

This is a normal family service with the baptism added in the middle somewhere. So that shippies are not surprised on the day, let me tell you that St Paul's is a family-oriented, evangelical Anglican church with a band and lots of groups for children. The service will begin at 10.30am but parking can be a trial, so come a bit earlier if you can. After the service, we might walk around to the nearby Jephson Gardens for a picnic.

We are inviting everyone we know, so - and here I need your understanding - I will be overwhelmed with attending to my extended family and thus the chances of me being able to spend quality time with shippies are slim. It is a shame.

I did wonder that if lots of shippies want to come, perhaps there could be an informal shipmeet at a nearby pub or in the gardens?

Interested?
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
I'm certainly interested!

I'm within easy reach by train, (provided there are no engineering works) know Leamington well, and went to St Paul's for a couple of months a few summers ago when I was living in the area temporarily.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
oh I wish I could make it! I'll be thinking of our young Master Strange on the day!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I would love to come, but there's a large pond in the way.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Jahlove (# 10290) on :
 
Dear Jonathan, sadly, it's too far for me. Delighted for you in your joy tho' and will be thinking of you, your family and especially baptismal prayers for young Strange on that day.
 

---

Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
We won't be able to make it as we haven't sussed travelling with 2 small people yet...

but having shared part of your journey with you will certainly be thinking of you all and sending many good wishes your way.
 

---

Posted by jackanapes (# 12374) on :
 
We'd love to be there and we know a few people at St Paul's, so it's very tempting. However, we're trying to limit the number of expeditions we mount with jack and jill, as long days out tend to leave us all a bit knackered and grouchy. We will certainly remember you.

Hope all is well with the Strange family.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Best wishes to you all. A bit far from way downunder.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Sadly, it's unlikely that we shall be there, but the date's in the diary and the little fellow will be remembered.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Ye gods, 'course we're interested. Bunches of interested people are smiling all over the Ship Universe about this. So many of us only wish we could be there in person.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Must look round for a silver teething ring...

You will remember to print this thread out and show it to him when he's sixteen, won't you?
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Wrong side of the pond I'm afraid, but I can offer prayers and best wishes.
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Have checked I'm not doing anything else that Sunday, so I will be there!
 

---

Posted by Zacchaeus (# 14454) on :
 
What Janine said..

have a wonderful celebration with you family and friends.
 

---

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
Sending my very best wishes for you all - I have to be in the church of which I am the vicar at that time on a Sunday morning, or else I would certainly have been there.

Can anyone who is going let us all know how it went?

[ 04. April 2012, 08:03: Message edited by: St Everild ]
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Certainly, I will be there, beaming Canadian smiles the entire time!

I will certainly remember you at Mass on that Sunday, although 0830 EDT is a little past the baptismal time.

May I ask that we be apprised of his baptismal names? (All 16 thousand of them )

If you would rather not, perhaps a PM?

Every blessing on you all.

honorary Grampa PeteC
 

---

Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
May I ask that we be apprised of his baptismal names? (All 16 thousand of them )

---

I'm pretty sure one was Hrothgar.

Sadly, I've got a weekend away booked for that weekend, or I'd love to have been there.
 

---

Posted by Jonathan Strange (# 11001) on :
 
I suppose I can say that his nicknames have been Pickle, Mr.Wriggle, Mr.Baby, His Royal Cuteness, Grumblestiltskin, Megababy (for when he's in super-hero mode) and many more.

His real name is

Richard Charles
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I will actually be in UK at the time but hope to be at Meeting for Worship with Birkenhead Friends - I will try to remember to remember you all and hold you all in the Light, which I do anyway.
 

---

Posted by Jigsaw (# 11433) on :
 
I'll be there. Really.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Ye gods, 'course we're interested. Bunches of interested people are smiling all over the Ship Universe about this. So many of us only wish we could be there in person.

---

Can't say it any better than that. Many blessings upon the young Master Strange!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Jonathan Strange, just think of us as your "clouds of witnesses who surround (you) on every side" (though not quite countless as heaven's stars ).

I think I read something like that somewhere .

I too will be with you in spirit.

Huia

[ 05. April 2012, 06:34: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Nicely put, Huia. Many blessing to the Strange Family.
 

---

Posted by Taliesin (# 14017) on :
 
As expressed so nicely above... I'll be there in spirit. I'm so glad... and thanks very much for the invitation!
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
I'll be attending my niece's wedding in Norwich that weekend so I can't be with you in person.
Count me in that cloud of witnesses.
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
We will rejoice that it is happening even though we must rejoice from farther away than we would like.
 

---

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
Well said, Gwai.

Enjoy your day, JS
 

---

Posted by Jahlove (# 10290) on :
 
It's a nice tradition, I think, for those who cannot be at an event in person, to give a *spiritual bouquet* (several people did this for me on my reception). (A bit like the well-wishing gifts of fairy godmothers )

If it doesn't offend your religious sensibilities, Jonathan, I will offer the rosary of the Joyful Mysteries for Richard Charles.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Wish I could be there but the Atlantic Ocean divides. But many prayers and good wishes.
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
If people want to send me messages/greetings, that I could make into an SoF card/booklet/memento for young Master Strange and take with me on the day, I'd be very happy to do that on our behalf.

Just a thought...
 

---

Posted by Enigma (# 16158) on :
 
What a fab idea Japes - how would this work?
 

---

Posted by Jonathan Strange (# 11001) on :
 
You are all very kind - thank you.
Jahlove: thank you very much for such a meaningful gift; we would be delighted.

I'm happy to provide my RL address if that helps.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jonathan Strange:
...I'm happy to provide my RL address if that helps.

---

I know you probably know this but just in case PLEASE only supply your real life address by PM to people you trust - please DO NOT publish it on an open thread!

WW
All Saints Host

[ 06. April 2012, 08:18: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I will also be thinking of you on the day, and wishing the Strange family much happiness.
 

---

Posted by sabine (# 3861) on :
 
This thread has touched me very much in light of the history contained.

I wish we weren't a multi-national board full of busy people so that more of us could fully represent our feelings with our actual presence.

May God's Light and Grace surround you now, during the service, and throughout the lives of your family and your son.

sabine
 

---

Posted by Yerevan (# 10383) on :
 
Having shared a Shipmates Expecting thread with you I would love to, but the travel practicalities might be tricky with a five month old in tow! Hope you have a wonderful celebration.

PS Soooo, how much sleep are you getting these days?

[ 07. April 2012, 16:11: Message edited by: Yerevan ]
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Japes:
If people want to send me messages/greetings, that I could make into an SoF card/booklet/memento for young Master Strange and take with me on the day, I'd be very happy to do that on our behalf.

Just a thought...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Japes:
If people want to send me messages/greetings, that I could make into an SoF card/booklet/memento for young Master Strange and take with me on the day, I'd be very happy to do that on our behalf.

Just a thought...

---

Japes, please add my name to anything you compile - thank you.

---

And mine. Pete
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
And mine too please.
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
I may be going from Rugby to Sevenoaks on that day and may be able to make it, but my travel is not yet settled.

Japes, Please add my name.
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
I'm making a note of the names as they are added!!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Please add us.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
And mine!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Me too, please.

Moo
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
JS, it was your very moving OP that got me off the lurkers' bench at last. Have a very blessed day
 

---

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
And mine too, please, Japes!
 

---

Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on :
 
Mine too, please! Have a glorious, blessed day!
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Japes:
I'm making a note of the names as they are added!!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Japes:
Just bumping this one up, seeing as it's next Sunday...

Any more names or messages to be added to the Ship card?

---

Oooh, yes please add my name. Thankies!
 

---

Posted by harmony hope (# 4070) on :
 
Please add me too! What a joyous day it will be!
 

---

Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
Please add my name to Shiply greetings - may it be a wonderful day

A
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
If possible could you add my name to the card? May God bless the Strange family and little Master Strange!
 

---

Posted by Jonathan Strange (# 11001) on :
 
Thank you all. It is very moving to see such support.

I have been wondering about how best to share photos of the young master. I'm a little cagey about uploading them to the friendly-looking websites of evil corporate machines. Any advice?
 

---

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
Japes, I think you already have mine?
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Yes, St Everild, your name was already on the list!

Everyone else, not too late to be added at all, in fact, it'll be fine up until late Saturday night GMT. I do creative best last minute... in fact, I probably do most things best last minute.
 

---

Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Please add me, Darllenwr and Lord P - rejoicing with you.
 

---

Posted by Enigma (# 16158) on :
 
Me too if I have not already added but I don't think so. My message - God Bless all in the lives you will share together and with each other.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Well, it's the evening of Saturday 12th down here.

Best wishes for the great day and blessings on Master Richard. Prayers for the whole family and thanksgiving for your son.

Ship's Grandma,
Lothlorien
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
Please add my congratulations too. Hope it is a blessed occation and that you all have a wonderful time.
 

---

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :
 
may it be a really lovely time for you two and the son! God bless you all!
 

---

Posted by birdsoftheair (# 15219) on :
 
Such a lovely time to share with us JS, in RL or virtually.

Blesssings on all your heads and I hope a wonderful time is had by all,

and Japes if it's not too late, can you please add me to the card too?


Thanks.

a happy birds
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Last call for names, messages... I've also printed out a copy of this thread, so far, just in case I'd forgotten anyone, though as far as I could tell, I've added the names of everyone who asked, or posted on this thread and those who sent PMs.

I have received one piece of post, from Scotland, which is packed ready to go.

I will report back in full detail tomorrow!!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Madame and I remembered Richard Charles this morning, and lit a special candle for him at church. May he continue to bring great happiness to his parents.
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Oh, wow... Young Master Strange is absolutely gorgeous.

Ahem.

By the grace of God, if not the railway system, (that's a subject for a Hell Thread later) I arrived with just a few minutes to spare, having expected to be able to amble up from the station at a leisurely pace, and maybe grab a coffee on the way! Having described myself reasonably accurately, and had intimation of how I might recognise her, Jigsaw and I met up almost instantly, and we sat together on a back pew, with an excellent view of the proceedings. Apologies if we confused a friend of the family, who also sat next to us!

We sang a couple of modern songs, then went straight into the Baptism itself. It's the first time I've ever been to an infant Baptism done by full immersion, and Master Strange was impeccably behaved, enjoyed looking around at all his adoring audience, made no fuss when the vicar took him, put him in the water for a few seconds to let him get used to is, and then plunged him straight under as he was baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jonathan, who had been holding him beforehand, wrapped in a towel, was on hand to take him straight back again into the towel to dry him off!! Again, Master Strange was a model of excellent behaviour, and didn't seem at all fussed at all this business with the water. Me, I'd've yelled!

The rest of the service proceeded much as I remember from my few months at the church a few years ago.

Jigsaw and I both remarked afterwards that Jonathan Strange and his wife looked so, so happy. Even more happy than a couple at their wedding.

I handed over our cards/greetings and a copy of this thread up to the time I left home this morning to Jonathan and also enclosed a little hardboard book of the story of Noah's Ark. On the main card, I also wrote -

We are so delighted you are with us, and give thanks with and for you on your Baptism Day. May God be with you always, and may you always be with God. With the love, prayers and many blessings from that “cloud of witnesses” who are your Shipmates all around the world, but most especially (All the names and messages)

Hope that's sufficient detail!

Jonathan, thank you so much for inviting us, and I'm sure I speak for Jigsaw as well when I say it was an honour and delight to be be there on all behalf of all Shipmates. It was lovely to meet you, albeit so briefly, and I hope you've all enjoyed the day, too.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
I said prayers both before leaving home and at Mass for the young lad and his parents.

Thank you Japes and Jigsaw for representing us all.
 

---

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
Thank you Japes.
 

---

Posted by birdsoftheair (# 15219) on :
 
So glad you and Jigsaw could be there to share such a wonderful time. Thank you Japes.
 

---

Posted by Jonathan Strange (# 11001) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Japes:
Oh, wow... Young Master Strange is absolutely gorgeous.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Japes:
Jigsaw and I both remarked afterwards that Jonathan Strange and his wife looked so, so happy. Even more happy than a couple at their wedding.

---

© Ship of Fools 2016


UBB.classic^TM 6.5.0