Photos from Circuit Members

Hymn

Down the mountain the river flows
And it brings refreshing wherever it goes
Through the valleys and over the fields
The river is rushing and the river is here
​
The river of God sets our feet a-dancing
The river of God fills our hearts with cheers
The river of God fills our mouth with
Laughter, and we rejoice for the river is here

The river of God is streaming with
Life, and all who touch it will be revived
And those who linger on this river's shore.
Will come back thirsting for more of the Lord
​
Up to the mountain, we love to go
To find the presence of the Lord
Along the banks of the river we run
We dance with laughter giving praise to the son​

Food for Thought

Read the Bible Passage Mark 1:9-11

1. Originally Baptism was used as an initiation rite for those who were Gentiles and were converting to Judaism. However John the Baptist (who was one of Jesus’ relatives, many think a cousin) had felt God was calling the people to be Baptised in the river Jordon as they turned away from wrong doing and were cleansed (using the water as a sign of cleansing) . Have you ever visited a river’s source and seen/felt/tasted the fresh clear water? How difficult do you find it to feel God forgiveness and feel cleansed spiritually?

2. How important do you think it was that before beginning his ministry Jesus was Baptised? (you might like to read Isaiah chapter 40 verse 1-5) We might not have been Baptised in a river but how important is your own Baptism to your Christian discipleship?

3.  Last Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten season is called Ash Wednesday. Some churches hold an ashing service when ashes in the form of a cross are placed on the foreheads of worshippers. The cross is a sign of willingness to turn from wrong doing, ask God’s forgiveness and receive from him  a fresh start. Our  commitment is to a renewed and better life following the teaching of Jesus.  John the Baptist told some tax collectors and soldiers (Luke 3 v 12-14) what preparations they had to make as they began a new life following their Baptism. In your opinion is Heaven open to all who have been Baptised or is a life style change obligatory?

4. Many young parents still ask the church to Baptise their little ones yet often have little contact after the ceremony. Why do you think this is? Could the church do more to appeal to young families?   If so what would you suggest?