As most of you know, I’m a parochial-schooled lifetime Irish Catholic. Of course I’ve visited the churches, mosques, and synagogues with many friends over the years. These visits have always been spiritually uplifting and enlightening. I look forward to every opportunity for a new experience.

Today I had the pleasure of witnessing the baptism of Lumi King. She’s the granddaughter of my “down-the-hall” neighbors, Helen and Gayle King, and a one-year old powerhouse. Today she was in peaceful mood, sitting on the lap of her Mom Inna, Dad Dan, and big bro Sisu. Perhaps these names do not have a familiar ring to your Texan ears. That’s because Inna is originally from Finland, and is ensuring that her little ones continue their Finnish culture and traditions. They will have a lot to teach their classmates when they start school:)

After the local, and very excellent I might add, band finished the intro song; the Kings and the godmothers were called up for the baptism. While the youth pastor continued with the service, I couldn’t help but notice the very gentle nature of this baptism. Just a little sprinkle of water on Lumi’s forehead in the shape of a cross. No dunking required, which I applaud. It was a beautiful experience for all of us. The pastor reached out to the young children, who came forward to welcome Lumi to the congregation. Lumi rested her little feet on big bro’s head for comfort, while the congregation answered the call for her.

Moody Methodist has been an important community center of service since I first moved to Galveston. As a Meals on Wheels volunteer, it is where I picked up the meals to deliver for all who were in need. More recently, I came together with local business people in a weekly networking gathering to help get the word out. I know there are exercise classes, bible studies, boy scout meetings, and many other focus groups gathering at this magnificent historical site in the middle of the island. I hope to spend many more years meeting with neighbors to help our community. What a very good Sunday!