Down At The River

We are celebrating new lives in Christ at PVMC! What a blessing it was to attend PVMC’s special Baptisms at the river. The weather was hot but beautiful at Carolina Beach State Park overlooking the Cape Fear River! We began the service singing, “Shall We Gather At The River.” “Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.” Going to water that has been a big part of my life and being in God’s beautiful creation made it even greater!  

Pastor Tim blessed the water and reminded everyone that God is welcoming them into His family and we are welcoming them into our family. People went into waist deep water to be immersed or they could be sprinkled. Right before going under, Pastor Tim, Pastor Chris or Pastor Barry would say their  name followed by, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” I loved watching the faces. Going down there may be some anxiety about going under but when they came up the smiles were pure joy! New creations! Acts 2: 38, “Peter replied, ‘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.’” Hallelujah!

Whole families came to be baptized together, young children, older adults, one family had all three generations getting baptized. We clapped each time. There was such a joyful spirit on that shore! We celebrated 18 water baptisms and many more renewal or Baptism Remembrances. John 7: 38, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Welcome to God’s family!