A GREAT DAY AT LAKE MICHIGAN } 30 BAPTIZED!
On Sunday, July 25, 2010, thirty people witnessed to their faith in Christ and their desire to serve him faithfully for the rest of their lives by being baptized. Our annual Lake Michigan baptismal service was an awesome experience as new Christians joined with many who have served the Lord faithfully for years, but had never been immersed in baptism, to make it a day to remember for all of us.
Six pastors were involved in baptisms, while about 350 friends and family from First Church (from both campuses) joined together in an exciting celebration of faith and the faithfulness of God. Those being baptized came from both campuses, with three who had recently accepted Christ from the Benton Heights Campus.
Every baptismal candidate was asked if they had accepted Christ as Savior and if they would do their best to serve him faithfully for the rest of their lives. An affirmative answer was followed by, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”! The spiritual burial into the water represented death to the old life of selfishness, followed by coming up out of the water representing resurrection to new life in Christ!
The baptism was preceded by a short worship service led by Pastor Dan Deitrich, some delicious ice cream, and great fellowship in beautiful Jean Klock Park on Benton Harbor’s beautiful lakeshore.
Physically, geographically, and spiritually, we were truly blessed. We give praise and thanksgiving to our marvelous God, Creator of this beautiful planet we call earth, Savior of our souls, Indwelling Presence, and source of all that is good.“We were buried with Him by baptism...so that...we too might walk in newness of life!” Romans 6:4 By Pastor Rick Blumenberg