Baptism

So for those of you who weren't there (you bunch of losers), Andy got baptised yesterday.
Not just any baptism - the first baptism in our new, solar-powered baptistry. Wow.

But what does it mean for you? For those of us who have already been baptised, it probably brings back memories - it certainly did for me - of a cold, rainy day last July, getting dunked in the North Sea. For those of you who haven't been baptised yet, I'm hoping yesterday's baptism challenged you, and maybe brought up the questions - why bother, and / or how can I get baptised?
For the former question, there are many answers. Firstly, Jesus did it, and commanded it. If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me [Read John 1:19-34]. Andy's testimony mentioned this - it is a step of obedience, through which we acknowledge our death to sin, and rising in new life, free from the old. That doesn't mean we don't sin any more - don't be surprised when Andy next swears, or covets your donkey [Read Exodus 20:17 if confused!] - but that sin no longer has power over us, Jesus becomes the boss.
For the second question - see your mentor. The church runs baptism courses, and will take you through what it means to be baptised, and ensure that you are ready for it. If you don't have a mentor, just speak to one of the youth leaders.
Be certain of one thing though - baptism isn't something expected of you when you reach a certain age. Some people are baptised in their early teens, others in their twenties (like myself), others much later - you should get baptised when you are in the right place in your walk with God: I desire above most things that people who get baptised truly want to.

Sermon over - plus it's a lovely sunny day, and I'm off to the beach.

Latest updates, Life Centre opening

New on the youth resources page:

• Mentoring resources, for those wanting to go deeper in mentoring sessions.
• Sunday's flyer handout in poster form, with all the lifegroup dates for the term.
• Plus other resources from previous lifegroup and ID sessions.
  

The site can be found at:
http://sites.google.com/site/genericyouthsite/Home

Why not have a look!?


After our first day in the HBC Life Centre, today we witnessed the grand opening.
For those who were there, we hope you got a taster of what the building could be used for - and the sorts of things the youth space could host - Guitar Hero certainly seemed popular!

What was your favourite thing of the day?