Getting Baptized!!!!!

[Guest ArchangelKid]

Sorry about those five exclamation points but I'm so happy! I haven't felt this way in a long, long time. My baptism is this Sunday, on the 17. I picked out the hymns I want sung, the people I want to speak, who will say opening prayer and closing prayer and my favorite scripture. One of the missionaries accidentally let it slip that there was gonna be a surprise musical number from the little kids at the ward, I was told to act surprised haha.

I'm stoked haha. I already know what to expect, I said the opening prayer to a baptism last Sunday. People were shocked when i invited them to my baptism. they could have sworn i was already a member. I apperantly sound mormon, haha, which is a good thing i think.

I didn't pay attention to the clothing though. Should I wear a new suit? Haircut? Can I wear socks to the font? Let me know things that you think I should know. I made a lot of emphasis to the missionary who is baptizing me, to not forget to lift my back up, haha.

[SQUARE]

I am happy for you. At the Stake Center, or ward building whichever building the Baptismal Font is at, there should be many white Baptism jump suits. You should plan on wearing all white to include under garments. You can wear all white socks if you prefer. This is going to be a very special day for you. Enjoy the many blessings.

[Finrock]

Good afternoon ArchangelKid. I'm happy to hear about your baptism. Congratulations! :)

Can I wear socks to the font?

I can't find any official reference, but I have always been instructed to remove socks during the baptism and I have always witnessed this at other baptisms I have attended.

From the Church Handbook 2 regarding Baptism clothing:

"A person who performs a baptism and a person who is baptized wear white clothing that does not appear transparent when it is wet. An endowed person wears the temple garment under this clothing while performing a baptism.

Local units should have baptismal clothing available and should not charge for its use. This clothing is purchased with budget funds. The bishop may ask members to clean and mend the clothing."

Regards,

Finrock

[beefche]

Ok, here is my practical advice:

1. Bring a towel. You will get wet. You'll need a towel to dry off.

2. Bring clean underwear. Your underwear will get wet. Bring a dry pair.

3. Bring a bag to put the wet things in.

4. Make sure the underwear you are wearing while being baptized is white. That's because when your white jumpsuit gets wet, anything of a bright color will show.

5. Not sure if you are a modern kind of guy, but if you wear hair product bring some along with whatever else you would need--comb, hair dryer, etc.

6. You can wear socks, but they have to be all white. Again, bring an extra pair that is dry to wear with your shoes after you dress.

7. You can dress however you wish for the event, but most people dress in church clothes.

8. It isn't inappropriate to ask your missionary to "practice" baptism prior to it. Ya'll can do the motions so you know how to bend your knees, hold your arms, etc.

Congratulations and enjoy the day. Don't forget to write your feelings down in a journal. It's so wonderful to read that during those times that you feel down about things.

[Anddenex]

Sorry about those five exclamation points but I'm so happy! I haven't felt this way in a long, long time. My baptism is this Sunday, on the 17. I picked out the hymns I want sung, the people I want to speak, who will say opening prayer and closing prayer and my favorite scripture. One of the missionaries accidentally let it slip that there was gonna be a surprise musical number from the little kids at the ward, I was told to act surprised haha.

I'm stoked haha. I already know what to expect, I said the opening prayer to a baptism last Sunday. People were shocked when i invited them to my baptism. they could have sworn i was already a member. I apperantly sound mormon, haha, which is a good thing i think.

I didn't pay attention to the clothing though. Should I wear a new suit? Haircut? Can I wear socks to the font? Let me know things that you think I should know. I made a lot of emphasis to the missionary who is baptizing me, to not forget to lift my back up, haha.

Congrats!

Beefche provides a detailed list to review, especially dry underwear. The first baptism I performed on my mission...well...ya... wet garments weren't fun to wear.

Also, I wore socks with every baptism on my mission. As long as the socks are white. I personally haven't come across anything official regarding socks.

[Guest ArchangelKid]

Thank you all for those suggestions. The missionaries never mentioned anything about dry clothes or towels haha. I would've looked dopey Sunday, haha. I'm not foot shy or anything, one of the missionaries in my ward warned me that some people's feet slide when they get dunked. That's why I'm asking if I could wear socks, I don't want to slip or worse, knock down my missionary, haha.

I got invited to dinner to my branch presidents home tomorrow. Do I have to go in church clothing, or is casual clothing okay? It actually caught me off guard, haha. I thought I was the one that had to invite people to my home for dinner, that I would obviously buy from a restaurant. Lol.

[pam]

I have seen people wear white socks when getting baptized.

[classylady]

It's always nice to have a photograph or two taken in your white clothes with your missionaries.

Excited for you. Let us know how everything went.

[NightSG]

I'm not foot shy or anything, one of the missionaries in my ward warned me that some people's feet slide when they get dunked. That's why I'm asking if I could wear socks, I don't want to slip or worse, knock down my missionary, haha.

You're mostly water anyway; any submerged parts are essentially weightless, so as long as you don't panic and thrash, it will be no problem for the missionary to hold your head and shoulders up until you can get your feet back under you.

[Guest ArchangelKid]

I'll try to remember that haha. I won't panick, if I slip, at least the kids will get a good laugh, lol.

[NightSG]

I got invited to dinner to my branch presidents home tomorrow. Do I have to go in church clothing, or is casual clothing okay?

Unless someone told me otherwise, I'd probably go in a dress shirt and slacks, but then, I hardly ever go outside in less than a polo and khakis unless I'm dressing for a specific jeans-and-t-shirt activity.

One benefit of the Church is that you won't be expected to bring a nice bottle of wine as a gift for the host

[Guest ArchangelKid]

That's really convenient for me, considering the fact that its illegal for me to even drink, haha! Is it expected for me to bring some kind of a gift? Thank you for the advice on the clothing, I wouldn't want to accidentally disrespect our branch president. He has really gone out of his way to make me feel welcomed. He's really such a great guy.

[pam]

No..no gift is expected.

[dahlia]

I think I wore white socks. I'm just weird about bare feet in wet areas, so I'm gonna assume I had on socks.

Plus, you are sitting in the audience in your jumpsuit before you get baptized. Bare feet might look a little strange and you want your feet to be warm until you get in the water.

Have a happy day!

[Dravin]

No..no gift is expected.

If anything a gift given to the newly baptized isn't terrible uncommon. Though it's not common enough that I'd say to expect it. Just don't be surprised if someone gives you a full set of Economy Scriptures or something.

[dahlia]

The fact that a gift is not expected shouldn't stop you from giving a small gift to your missionaries, especially if you have been with them for awhile. You could also give your missionaries a really pretty 'blank inside' card with your thoughts and feelings about the day and their role in getting you there. I'm sure they will treasure it.

You don't have to give a gift to whoever is speaking or playing music at the baptism.

[Guest ArchangelKid]

The fact that a gift is not expected shouldn't stop you from giving a small gift to your missionaries, especially if you have been with them for awhile. You could also give your missionaries a really pretty 'blank inside' card with your thoughts and feelings about the day and their role in getting you there. I'm sure they will treasure it.

You don't have to give a gift to whoever is speaking or playing music at the baptism.

What is a "blank inside" card? Any other ideas for missionary gifts?

[pam]

What is a "blank inside" card? Any other ideas for missionary gifts?

A blank inside card is a card that has a picture on the outside but is blank on the inside. No cute little poem or saying..just blank. You write your thoughts or feelings to that person instead.

[NightSG]

What is a "blank inside" card? Any other ideas for missionary gifts?

Men’s Stationery | The Art of Manliness

How to Write a Thank You Note | The Art of Manliness

[dahlia]

Men’s Stationery | The Art of Manliness

How to Write a Thank You Note | The Art of Manliness

Ah, yes, the art of writing seems to have vanished along with the other little civilities (such as thank you cards) that used to make life with other people bearable.

[Guest ArchangelKid]

Thanks for the idea guys, I just got some blank cards today. I'm gonna write the most amazing testimony on those cards. I'm actually somewhat sad, I got confirmation today that the missionary that is baptizing me is getting transferred. His last day will be this Monday, and then he'll be gone Tuesday. What stinks is that, from the start, I was warned by a friend to not get attached to them, but I did. Even thought I tried not to, what can I say, they are awesome. I hope I don't cry or something when I say goodbye Monday. I'm taking them out to eat, thank goodness its President's Day, no school, no distractions.

[dahlia]

It's OK to get a little attached. I don't see how you wouldn't. Depending where your missionary is in his 'tour of duty,' he may be able to come to your endowment. I was blessed to have one of the original missionaries who knocked on my door, and the two who were at my baptism come to the temple with me that first time.

Also, they love to visit baptizees! When they'd come back for zone or district meetings in my town, I could always count on a visit from them.

[Guest ArchangelKid]

Yeah, he told me to call him when I can go into the temple, which I will. How long does it take to get a temple recommend? I heard it takes a year for the men. Or was that endowments?

Also, on a sad note, my great grandfather passed away this morning at 5am. I feel a bit strange for still going on with the baptism tomorrow. Everyone will be mourning and crying tomorrow, he's getting buried tomorrow. I will be happy because I'm getting baptized. It feels wrong.

[Vort]

You can get your temple endowment about a year after your baptismal date, depending on your bishop and your situation. People rarely or never go before being members for at least a year. However, if you are over the age of twelve, you can immediately start attending temple baptisms (baptisms for the dead). I think.

Sorry to hear about your great grandfather. I can only suppose he will be rejoicing at your baptism.