At St. Paul Community, Pontiac we had 160 children attend our Vacation Bible School on July 30–August 3. During VBS, I talked about how Jesus rescues us through Baptism. As a follow-up, we planned a Baptism Splash Sunday for those who wanted to be baptized and those who wanted to experience a remembrance of Baptism. I offered Baptism at the Baptismal font at church or at the lake. I told them that the power of Baptism is not how much water you use, but the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God. So they could choose to have a little water at church or as much water as they wanted at the lake!
Eight people signed up to be baptized and two signed up for a remembrance of Baptism. One of them chose Baptism at the lake and the other seven chose to be baptized at church in September. On Sunday, August 19, we held a short service of singing and a teaching on Baptism, and then we headed out to SchoolHouse Lake. An eleven-year-old girl was baptized with a LOT of water by immersion. And when I invited people for a remembrance of Baptism, there were not just two people, but five! One was a four-year-old boy whose mom was thrilled that he wanted to remember his Baptism. Another was, amazingly, a first-time guest to St. Paul who said she did not want to miss this opportunity for remembering her Baptism! Go God!
The Baptism celebration was followed by a BBQ cookout and potluck meal for all to enjoy. It was an awesome day for St. Paul as we celebrated God’s saving grace and power through His gift of new birth in Baptism and we experienced fun and friendship as the family of God.
Photos courtesy of St. Paul Community, Pontiac
