A Renewal of Baptism Vows: January 28 - Part 6

We now head to the Jordan River - a time for the renewal of our baptism vows. Here, Dennis, one of our storytellers, used an olive brabch and after dipping it into the Jordan River, splashed a little water on us as we remembered the vows we made at our baptism, the vows we remember each and every time someone is baptised, the vows we remeber when we celebrate and participate in the Lord's Supper.

Within our group were a few people who decided to renew their vows by being immersed in the chilly waters of the Jordan River. One person actually chose to be baptized. What a special moment in time for everyone as he was immersed and baptized in the River Jordan in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The Jordan river is not very wide - it resembles a creek. Yet this is the river that flows into the Sea of Galilee and out of the Sea of Galilee into the Dead Sea. The sources of the Jordan River spring from the base of Mount Hermon. The spring at Caesarea Philippi and the river dan which springs from the ground at the ancient site of dan. These two tributaries join with another stream to form the Jordan river. The water that falls on Mount Hermon in the form of dew, rain, and snow feeds the springs that form the headwaters of the Jordan River.

Today we also heard the following stories: Matthew 3:1-12 -- John the Baptist prepares the way; Matthew 3:13-17 -- the baptism of Jesus as told in the Gospel of matthew; and John 1:19-34 --the testimony of John the Baptist.











It has been a very full day, a day filled with emotion; a day filled with awe and wonder; a day in which the presence of Christ has been evident each and every step of this sacred journey in this sacred place in this sacred time.


BAPTIZED IN WATER
1. Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Cleansed by the blood of Christ, our King;
Heirs of salvation,
Trusting the promise,
Faithfully now God's praises we sing.

2. Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with Christ, our King;
One with His rising,
Freed and forgiven,
Thankfully now God's praises we sing.

3. Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Marked with the sign of Christ, our King;
Born of the Spirit,
We are God's children,
Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Text: Text by Michael A. Saward Copyright © 1982 by Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Music: Arrangement © 1987 by CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI 49560. All rights reserved. Used by permission.