This afternoon we had a baptism service and picnic at the home of one of the members of State College E-Free. The weather and atmosphere was positively spectacular.
Everyone gathered around the pool. I led a couple of songs (Nothing but the Blood and Victory in Jesus) I decided to use two familiar hymns to compensate for the fact that I only had 20 lyric sheets.
After the singing Pastor Keith gave a quick summary of what baptism is and isn’t.
Pastor Keith makes a poolside address.
One of the elders (Dan) read a passage of Scripture before anyone descended into the pool.
And then it was time to hit the water. There were five baptisms in all. Each was was preceded by a short testimony.
After the service wrapped up things shifted into picnic mode. Since it was a hot, sunny day the pool was popular.
Who says jeans can't double as swimming trunks?
Baptism services are a joyful time. It is encouraging to hear testimonies and celebrate our hope in Christ. Having the service outside (at either a pool or lake/stream/etc) is an added bonus.
I was seriously considering going into the lab before or after the picnic, but in the end I decided not to. On this day the roots rested.
