Good thoughts from kidology.org -

1. We ought to have convictions.

On difficult topics, I would rather someone have a strong conviction that I disagree with than for them to be wishy-washy. James 1:8 says that the double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Not taking a position IS a position, just not a strong one. We ought never to look down on a person with convictions, but rather, should admire them for having convictions even if we disagree with their conviction!

2. People who disagree with you probably love God as much as you do.

Too often, when Christians disagree, they jump so quickly to judging the other at a level that is above and beyond the issue of disagreement. Suddenly, the other is addressed or talked about as though they are less of a Christian or are somehow less spiritual because they think differently. Too often I hear attacks like, ”You must not want to reach kids…” or ”Then you don’t care about…” Don’t be a Pharisee and mistake outward actions for proof of inner spirituality. People can have the same love for God as you and come to a different conclusion on a controversial subject.

3. Differing opinions in areas not spelled out in Scripture are not so much a result of a lack of unity as they are evidence that we were all created differently.

Discussing our opinions and convictions forces us to think and to challenge our assumptions and presuppositions. Throughout our history as God’s people, disagreements have helped us to define and clarify what we believe. Embrace conflict, for it refines you. Proverbs says that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. What many fail to notice is that for iron to sharpen iron, it must clash or rub against the other!

4. Remember we are family, and will be spending a lot of time together in the future (eternity!).
   • Be genuinely interested in Truth.
   • Be willing to listen as eagerly as you are willing to talk.
   • Be willing to change your mind.
   • Argue ideas passionately, but never attack the person.
   • Argue in such a way so that when you get to Heaven and find out who was right, you won’t be embarrassed when you run into them!

I started a little discussion group when I was a Bible college student at Moody. It was called C.H.A.T. and it stood for Christians Happily Arguing Theology. We met monthly for a C.H.A.T. session. We would pick a different subject each time and argue about it (end times, election/free-will, infant baptism, gifts of H.S., etc.). Below is our list of basic rules or ideas that kept our arguing ‘happy’. If you broke these rules, you were asked to leave and were not invited to the next C.H.A.T.

Baptism (For Registered Parishioners):

• Submit completed “Baptism Inquiry” form.
• Parents must attend pre-baptism class. Date of class will be scheduled upon receipt of completed “Baptism Inquiry” form.
• Godparent(s)* must take pre-baptism class at their local parish, or with parents in San Juan Bautista.
  • Bring Mission San Juan Bautista a letter from their parish indicating that they have completed the class(es). Make sure their name(s) appear in the letter.

       *It is important that Godparents meet the following criteria:
         1. Over 16 years of age
         2. Confirmed and Practicing Catholics
         3. If married, must be married through the Catholic Church  

Download the Godparent Eligibility Certificate for more information.
(you will need Acrobat Reader in order to view this form) 

• Copy of child’s birth certificate.
• $25.00 donation

Baptism (For Non-Parishioners):

• Obtain a “Letter of Permission” from your local parish to baptize your child outside your local parish, and your parish priest also agrees to travel to San Juan Bautista to perform the ceremony.
• Parents must attend pre-baptism class at their local parish.
• Bring Old Mission San Juan Bautista a letter from your parish indicating that you both have completed the class(es). Make sure both of your names are in the letter.
• Godparent(s)* must take pre-baptism class at their local parish, or with parents in San Juan Bautista.
  • Bring Mission San Juan Bautista a letter from their parish indicating that they have completed the class(es). Make sure their name(s) appear in the letter.

       *It is important that Godparents meet the following criteria:
         1. Over 16 years of age
         2. Confirmed and Practicing Catholics
         3. If married, must be married through the Catholic Church   

Download the Godparent Eligibility Certificate for more information.
(you will need Acrobat Reader in order to view this form)

• Copy of child’s birth certificate.
• $25.00 donation

 Mission San Juan Bautista will schedule the baptism for the month following completion of pre-baptism instruction, and receipt of all documentation and the donation. For example, if class is completed and paperwork and donation are received in March, the baptism will be scheduled for sometime in April.

 Pre-Baptism Classes are held on the second Saturday (9 am) of the month in English and the second Tuesday (6 pm) of the month in Spanish by appointment only. Please call the Parish Office (831-623-2127) to register for a pre-baptism class.

original source:
http://www.oldmissionsjb.org/baptism.html

Just in case you are — thought we’d share some of these photos with you…

“Weaving your warmest wishes into the silkiest of satin edges”

You be the judge…

photos copyrighted 2007
courtesy of http://www.FillInTheBlankie.com