Regional baptism event set for May 4

VENICE — One Christ Won City, a Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring Jesus with word and deed, will host the second annual Baptism In The Gulf on Saturday, May 4, at Maxine Barritt Park on Venice Island, Manasota Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island.

Each venue has pavilions, picnic tables and electricity.

This is a free event and all are welcomed to attend. Music will begin at 9:30 a.m.

More than 1,000 people witnessed 91 baptisms last year at Brohard Beach Park in Venice. Maxine Barritt is further south than Brohard.

“Along with a purposeful message, introduction and procession to water’s edge, we will have prayer ushers,” said Jim Foubister, founder and president of One Christ Won City and lead organizer of the baptism event.

Volunteers from Venice and surrounding areas are welcome to participate, Foubister said. Radio station The Joy FM embarked on a campaign to promote the event “as we glorify and honor Jesus with word and deed,” Foubister said.

Pastors from 12 area churches are expected to attend, including New Life Church, Center Pointe, Lift, Harvest Chapel, South Venice Christian, Greater Holy Temple, New Life Christian, Coastal Community, Auburn Presbyterian, Center of Hope, Cornerstone Baptist and Calvary Chapel Sonlife.

“Our tradition is that our lead pastors baptize with a pastor from another church, so the experience of unity is seen and felt,” Foubister said.

Last year 45 people who had no church affiliations came to the event wishing to be baptized.

Prayer will be offered as baptism candidates and pastors enter the Gulf of Mexico. Each of the newly baptized will receive a certificate.

For more information, call Foubister at 941-223-1771.