The top ten memories of the Fall Retreat as told by the people who have been there. In another sense, these may be the top ten reasons why you should attend the fall retreat Oct. 3-4 at Cedar Crest Camp in Mexico, MO.

No. 4: Baptisms
What memories do you have of the baptisms from the fall retreats?

Peggy Myers: I love it when whoever is getting baptized comes out of the water because all of the spectators erupt in thunderous applause and whooping and hollering. People within the Rock body are genuinely excited to see see their brothers and sisters in Christ take this step of obedience. We have a great community at The Rock, and the excitement surrounding baptisms at the fall retreat really illustrates that.

Melissa Molder: In the past, the water for baptisms has been pretty chilly! Everyone has survived it so far…and it definitely makes for a memorable expression of one’s faith!

Lis White: The baptism at the last fall retreat was so awesome. I think there were five or six people who originally had decided ahead of time that they were going to be baptized, and then I believe there were four people who jumped in at the last minute, me being one of them. I remember feeling really excited to be sharing this with the people there and could not have felt closer to God at the point in time had I been anywhere else. The water was REALLY cold, but it didn’t really matter. In fact, it made it more special to me because it kind of represented the things I had to get through to get to this point.

What made being baptized at the retreat special to you?

Peggy Myers: My baptism was special to me in general, because it was a step of obedience, and it was a public declaration and a public symbol of my choosing to obey Christ. Being baptized at the fall retreat was especially meaningful to me however. I was a freshman when I was baptized at the retreat, and I didn’t know many people at all. I did know, however, that I was getting baptized in front of a church that I would be a part of for a long time and in front of people who I would meet and who would help me grow. It has been pretty special to see that come to fruition over the years.

Lis White: I think what made baptism special for me was that I felt like I was being completely obedient to God and that I was getting to share it with people who are devoted to sharing Christ with me.

Abby McClelland: Being baptized at the fall retreat was special because I was able to share it with my community. The best part was that two of my friends were able to baptize me.