wfn.org | UCC Synod worshippers immersed in reaffirmation of baptism

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Synod worshippers immersed in reaffirmation of baptism

> Written by Jeff Woodard
> June 29, 2009

It's one thing to orchestrate a plan that clicks. It's something else
when it stirs your soul.

"I felt like I was worshiping, and I was back there giving cues," said
Rev. Scott Ressman, staff convener for yesterday's General Synod 27
worship service in the Plenary Hall of DeVos Place. "I couldn't be
more pleased. It's just amazing to get all these talented performers
together, and then have the Holy Spirit intercede and make it more
than we could have imagined."

Ressman ? Minister for Worship, Music and Liturgical Arts for the
UCC's Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team of Local
Church Ministries ? was awash in putting together programming pieces.
A myriad of singers, dancers, musicians and speakers blended in a
service that flowed on several levels.

"We really fought to have the waterfall in there and the children
playing it," said Ressman. The service began with a call little ones
and their parents to gather around the immersion pool and three-tiered
waterfall onstage. Moms dipped babies' feet. Toddlers tested the
water, first with a single finger, then their whole hand. A young boy
in a red striped shirt wetted both hands and slowly ran them atop his
head one at a time ? one on each side of the part in his hair ? as if
to baptize himself. Worshipers sang .

The "Baptism Remembrance Rite" near the conclusion of the service saw
ushers dipping small pine branches into large water-filled cups and
spritzing congregants.