Baptism of Genevieve Ruth Gans

Today we get to celebrate the sacrament of baptism of Genevieve Ruth Gans.

In his first public sermon in Acts 2 the Apostle Peter says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for theirs is the Kingdom.” When we baptize our covenant children we are trusting in God’s promise to treat our children as members of His people. As God’s word tells us in 1 Corinthians 7:14, the children of believing parents are holy. They are set apart as members of the covenant community, the church.

A pastor friend of mine beautifully says that fundamental to baptism is the kindness of our covenant-making God…Baptism is a gift from a kind Father who loves to lavish good things upon his children.

(Invite Ray and Nancy to come forward…)

As we baptize Genevieve, the baptismal waters signify both the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ which takes away our sin and the sanctifying power of the Spirit; It signifies her as being set apart for the Church. This baptism doesn’t take away Genevieve’s sin, the blood of Christ does that.  And yet her Baptism is her church entry point, like circumcision was in the old covenant. It is the sign of her being united with the Lord and His purposes.

This baptism is also a seal. The baptismal waters seal Genevieve’s place in the visible church. Baptism seals her into the outward family of God—into a relationship that has expectations and promises.

Whether we are baptizing a covenant child, like Genevieve, or baptizing someone older, on the profession of their faith, this is a joyful celebration.

Let’s learn a little bit about Ms. Genevieve. Here’s what Ray and Nancy want to share with you family.

“Genevieve Ruth Gans entered the world to the musical stylings of Taylor Swift on November 12, 2025.  We can’t remember exactly what song was playing, but we’d like to assume it was something from the Midnights album, given that she was born during the midnight hour.  Her musical taste extends well beyond Ms. Swift, however.  She loves kicking the keys on her little play piano and, much like Leon Salazar and all good city kids, she enjoys Bad Bunny dance parties.

At only 4 months old, she already has quite a budding personality.  She is very giggly and chatty and has yet to meet a stranger. Little Geni also has her dad’s work ethic and is a tummy-time extraordinaire. She is also very stubborn and strong-willed, not unlike her mom…we are in for a wild ride with her, we are sure. We love her so much and are so thankful she is in our lives!

Genevieve is an answer to many years of prayer during a long journey, and her name reflects that journey.  In January 2023, over a year into a struggle with infertility, we were in Paris.  We stumbled upon a quaint church named after Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.  It just so happened to be the Feast Day of Saint Genevieve, as flyers around town informed us.  Nancy, being the francophile that she is, immediately added Genevieve to the short list of potential girl names.  Upon doing more research, we learned that Saint Genevieve was known for being a courageous woman of her community: serving, loving, and fighting fervently for the people in her city.  Our Genevieve’s name thus signifies both an ode and a hope.  First, it’s an ode to our community—to the people who cared for us, prayed for us, lifted us up, and at times dragged us to the feet of Jesus during our years of longing and waiting.  Second, it embodies our hope for our daughter: that she would grow up to love and serve the communities she’s part of and that she would be a blessing to those around her.

Genevieve’s middle name, Ruth, also carries great meaning.  It is a nod to a passage that was read at our wedding almost 10 years ago.  The biblical Ruth was also a woman who cared deeply for those around her, and in great faith, followed God’s call for her life. A call that would challenge and bless her as well as those around her. We pray that would be the case for our Geni girl, too.  In fact, Ruth means “friend,” and we hope that is exactly what Genevieve will be to others.  Ruth is also special because it is a family name on Nancy’s side of the family, so it carries on a tradition from Ray’s side of the family, which is to pass along family names.

We are so grateful for little Genevieve Ruth and are overjoyed to celebrate her baptism.”

Hear the Word of God:

For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call to himself.  And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your seed after thee. Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your house.  (Acts 2:39; Gen. 17:7; Acts 16:31)   

Parental Promises

1. Do you acknowledge Genevieve’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?

2. Do you claim God’s covenant promises in Genevieve’s behalf, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for her salvation, as you do for your own?

3. Do you now unreservedly dedicate Genevieve to God, and promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before her a godly example, that you will pray with and for her, that you will teach her the doctrines of our holy religion, and that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

Congregational Promise:

In saying “yes” to this question, Grace Mosaic, we are receiving Genevieve as a member of our spiritual family. As such, we accept responsibility for her unconditional love and care, much like an extended family would. 

Do you as a congregation undertake the responsibility of assisting Ray and Nancy in the Christian nurture of Genevieve?

Huguenot Baptismal Liturgy 

For you, Genevieve, the Spirit of God moved over the waters at creation, and the Lord God made covenants with his people. It was for you that the Word of God became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. For you, Genevieve, Jesus Christ suffered death crying out at the end, "It is finished!" For you Christ triumphed over death, rose in newness of life, and ascended to rule over all. All of this was done for you, sweet girl, though you do not know any of this yet. But we will continue to tell you this good news until it becomes your own. And so the promise of the gospel is fulfilled: "We love because God first loved us."

Baptism of Genevieve Ruth Gans

Prayer