Baptism Pennies
by Erin Muirbrook / ga12052006

Click here for Baptism Pennies - (Word Document)

In our ward, we get some cardstock in the child's favorite color, and type up the promises they make when they are baptized, then put on an old, dirty penny--representing how sin can make us dark and dirty--and then a bright, new penny--representing how we feel after baptism. We put it in a frame from the dollar store and give it to the child after their baptism. We also pass out paper & pens/crayons to all the guests while the child is changing out of their wet clothes and ask them to share their testimonies, memories of their own baptism, or feelings for the child. The idea of having everyone write their testimonies or thoughts has really been one of the best.  It keeps everyone reverent while we wait for the kids to change (even little children can draw a picture), and is a great keepsake for the child being baptized.

We then put all the testimonies in a little plastic folder (the "report covers with a slide spine") with a title page that has their name, baptism date, ward & stake name, and a cute clip art picture. We hope this helps them remember who came on that special day, and it has been great for them to have grandparents/aunts/ uncles' testimonies written down.

The next day at church, they sit on the stand with the bishopric. They are introduced to the ward as the newest members, then return to sit with their families. In Sharing Time that day, we sing a song (usually "When I am Baptized" or "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ") and take their picture for our baptism bulletin board. We feel it makes the day special, while keeping the focus where it should be!