Illustration Friday - Early

My church baptizes members two times per year.

Once in the spring and once in the fall.   

Because we only do it twice a year it's a huge deal ... a Par-tay!

We had the spring baptism this past weekend and there were 220+ people baptized!

They were broken up into small groups (75 groups to be exact this time) and we all got to hear their testimonies before they got dunked. Because there were so many groups, the testimonies were shared at the same time and many people got baptized at once by different people on staff at the church.

We had it at a local park next to a pool. The park has a creek that we used to baptize in, but it's gotten rather dirty lately, so we've started to baptize in the pool. We set out blankets and chairs, sang worship songs, ate and relaxed. 

One of my students was baptized, which was really neat to be a part of. And another one of my students in the same class was one of the life guards. Even better!

Then we have a mega celebration!

 There are hamburgers and hot dogs, snow cones, bounce houses, a playground and music--all for free! Nothing like celebrating those displaying their love for Christ!

Here are some of my drawings from the party in my Art House sketchbook.

  

(Click on image to see it larger)

This ties in to the theme of "Early" for Illustaration Friday because my husband and I got there super early to help set up (7:30am...and others were already there before we were. The band arrived at 6am!)