Today, my wife and baby were baptized; and for me, my past met my future…

This morning we got up, dressed baby in her baptism dress, packed her up in the car, picked up Grandpa, and went to Chown United for the 11:30 service.

Some of my earliest memories are of Chinese United.  My Grandparents have been going there since the 60’s.  My parents, Uncle Ron/Aunt Joanne, and Uncle Albert/Aunt May were married there.  I was the ring bearer for Uncle Albert’s wedding, and all I can remember is being directed down the aisle with an older girl who knew what she was doing, and looking at a packed church.  I freaked.  Thankfully my Uncle Foo grabbed me and kinda directed me to where I should be standing. 

Vennie and I, and most of my cousins were baptized at CUC.

Years later when I moved back to Vancouver from Calgary, I attended fellowship, met a lot of great families and friends, and was confirmed at 19.  I left CUC and went to Burnaby Alliance a few years later.  As it was there I met Evonne, I’m guessing it was the right move.  🙂

Now that I think about it, the church actually has been an important part of our lives.  Reverend Kao married Evonne and I in 2002, and now he is about to baptize Evonne and our daughter into the Church.

When we arrived, we had some drama over the parking arrangements.  The entire area is a bit chaotic due to the RAV line construction.

We were a bit early, so we made our way downstairs to have a seat.  The 11:30 service is all in Chinese, and most of the attendees are those in my Grandparent’s generation.  A lady came up to us, and she said to me: “I delivered you!”  Although it’s been many, many years, I immediately recognized Dr. Madeline Chung, and yes, she did deliver me way back when.  It’s not often you get to meet the doctor who helped bring you into the world!

She is now one of the elders, and helps Rev Kao with the service. 

As 11:30 approached, more familiar faces- Mr. and Mrs. Ng; Mr. Steven Ho- my Grandfathers long time friend; Mr. and Mrs. Seto; Auntie Garbo; Mr. Henry Ho…

It’s been years, but I remember each of them from when I was growing up.  I know their kids as well, but they attend the earlier service in English.

Erica was on her best behaviour- ever alert and ready with a smile or gurgle.  We weren’t sure what to expect from her during service, but she’s handled busy public events before.

Back in the 90’s when E and I went to service, we sat in the back, but because we had e, we were asked to sit right at the front.  I had my camera all charged up and ready to go when I was instructed to go up with E and e… meaning I had to let Uncle Ron do the photography.  Believe me, I had to really look for the best shots.  🙂 

After years of not attending, it wasn’t a strange feeling to follow the service rituals- we found the right hymns to sing and the proper passage to read.  Everytime I attend an all Chinese service, I do struggle with comprehension because they use the really big words. 

Erica really was on best behaviour- a few gurgles and shrieks when the Choir was singing, and during the baptism she just looked at us and Rev. Kao.  She took and nearly finished her bottle during the sermon.

Why did I ask to have Erica and Evonne baptized?  Well faith is the first reason, but also continuity.  It was nice to come back years after, and still see the family friends.  Everyone is getting older of course, but that’s all a part of life.  During the service, Dr. Chung made the announcements, and said some nice words about Grandpa- that he was a longtime member, and how this was a joyous occasion because his Granddaughter-in-law and Great-Granddaughter were baptized today… and mentioned how she delivered his Grandson- 30 something years ago.  She got some polite applause for this comment.

She then spoke in remembrance about my Grandmother- about how she was a long time, active member of the Church who helped in many events.  We were genuinely touched by this.