Baptism

We've been working this week with a lot of people and a lot of logistics for the historic baptism we have coming up. Right now, 88 people are scheduled to be baptized, but it changes every hour or so. You will not want to miss this incredible day. Here are a few things you need to know, so please read this information:

1. If you would like to be baptized, there is still time. Please contact me or a member of our staff asap. I can be reached at brian.hughes@pccwired.net.

2. The baptism begins at 4pm on Sunday at the Cartersville Boat Landing in Cartersville, It's about 15 minutes from the Powhatan Campus.

3. We are expecting  a record crowd and a record number of cars. We will have a completely different traffic pattern than we have ever had before.  We will have signs and parking people in place to help accommodate the change.  We are asking all our volunteers and guests NOT to use the main entrance to the boat landing area.  Instead, we have a back entrance that will allow us to park more efficiently and effectively.  If you are coming down the hill toward the river, this back entrance is about 100 yards before you get to the main entrance on the same side of the road.  We will have signs and parking attendants to help direct and park you.  Once you park, you will have a fairly short walk to the landing area, however, if you want to ride, we will have our shuttle van coming by to scoop you up and deliver you right to the boat ramp. 

4. We are saving a few spaces up close for handicapped parking and those who may not be able to walk from the parking area to the landing.  Depending on the volunteers and the demand for close up parking, we may even have a Valet parking service available!

5. You may want to bring a chair. The baptism will last around 30-40 minutes (don't hold me to that...We've never baptized 88 people on the same day before!)

6. After a baptism, many people often stick around and swim (bring or wear your suit if you want to). You are welcome to do that (I will probably swim for a while with my kids, too). However, we are technically not supposed to swim right at the boat ramp, so we usually swim out into the river. It's not swift at this spot and the water is not deep, so it is relatively safe. Still, it's a river and you need to used your own judgment.  

Finally, let me ask you to pray for those people who are being baptized. This is a huge celebration for them, but it's also a serious moment. These people are 'going public' about their decision to follow Jesus Christ. Much is at stake, and it's important that we surround them with the Church. WE are the Church.
 
I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

 Brian