The congregation of Christ Church United Methodist in North Shelby chowed down on barbecue as bluegrass played in the background Sunday afternoon. It wasn’t the food or the music that made the scene, however; it was the baptisms taking place in front of them.

“One thing that sticks out to me was how people were circled around those being baptized,” said Discipleship Minister Nance Markham. “There’s just something about them going down in the water and the look of jubilation on their faces when they come back up.”

Seven people between the ages of 8 and 48 were baptized. One other man in his 60s asked to participate by remembering his own baptism. The man felt he needed to acknowledge the recommitment of his life to Christ. Markham said the church decided to host the Bluegrass, Baptism and Barbecue event to show the community the beauty of a relationship with God.

“One thing we had prayed for was that the event would be a witness to people,” she said. “We believe when God is around a group of people amazing things can happen.”

Markham said many of the people baptized also brought family and friends to the event.

“Just think what God might do with the family and friends who don’t have a relationship with Christ,” she said. “Think of the effect it could have had on them.”

The church also used the event as a kick-off for small groups this fall. The groups meet various days of the week. They meet in homes and at the church. They focus on topics from Women of Faith to Christian fiction books.

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