When Peace, Cottonwood, Ariz., decided to have a Baptism Sunday in April, members were hoping to have at least one baptism. They ended up with 12—11 children from five different families and 1 adult. "The congregation thought it was great to see that many souls—both children and adults—receiving the blessings of Baptism," says Paul Rutschow, pastor at Peace.

Peace decided to have a Baptism Sunday after a member of the Outreach Committee found information about it on the WELS Web site. The congregation advertised the event in the local newspaper, invited their families and friends, and shared the news with the parents in its toddler program.

As members of the community began to approach Rutschow about this opportunity, Rutschow met with them to discuss what the Bible teaches about Baptism and the importance of feeding the faith that God creates through this sacrament.

Rutschow says the event also gave congregation members an opportunity to review the doctrine and to remember their own baptisms. Rutschow held a three-week Bible class on the topic, and a member of the Outreach Committee encouraged members to find out their "Baptism birthdays"—the actual day they were baptized. On Baptism Sunday, some members brought in their baptism certificates—some quite elaborate, one framed, and one even in German.

Since April, two people who had their four children baptized have been baptized themselves and were married at Peace. They currently are taking membership classes. Rutschow says the congregation continues to reach out to the other prospects.

"Conducting a Baptism Sunday centers attention on the blessings of Holy Baptism," says Michael Hintz, director of the Commission on Evangelism. "Those who have been baptized are reminded of what Baptism means for them. It's also a special opportunity to emphasize the importance of Baptism and offer it to people who desire it."

Find resources on conducting a Baptism Sunday at connect.wels.net/evangelism.