Baptism

In just a couple of weeks we'll be having our baptism service at the Wetmore's pond. It's at 9:45am on Sunday, July 27th. I hope all of you will be there. Personally I love having a worship time outside. Although my choice would have it at night...with a bonfire. I don't think we would ever move to a night time baptism service. Not that I think it's unbiblical to baptise people at night, I just think it's a safety thing.

Were you at Prudence's baptism on the 6th? It was at the Gale's...in the river. Prudence now lives in Georgia, but really wanted to be baptised here and now. About 100 people walked across the road to celebrate with Prudence. Very cool.

The canoe trip had a spriritual message: Following Jesus. It was great to hear people struggling with this idea. As a youth pastor, I'm not interested in seeing young people go through meaningless motions. If it doesn't mean anything to you, why would you do it? That sounds like Chemistry class. (Sorry Tilberg) But it's true, some things (like school attendence) are mandatory...that's the law. Following Jesus (although mandatory in God's eyes) is not forced on you against your will. You'll never hear me pushing faith/religion down someones throat. Or in someone's ear, for that matter. By the way, it's been really cool to see Kerry and Kate attending our morning worship service. It's clear that this is a personal decision for each one of them.

Following Jesus is a personal, one on one decision. It's between you and Him. If you're ready to make that commitment...than Jesus says, Be baptised! You'll be surrounded by a lot of people who are ready to help you follow through on that commitment. It's like Olive Garden: When you're here, You're family (without the breadsticks)