Church At the Ballpark 2013

The Summit Church - we are one church that meets in several different locations around the Raleigh/Durham area - but today we all met at the same place and it was AMAZING!!!  Today we had church with 11, 500 of our closest friends and fellow Summit church members at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.  Aaron and I volunteered to serve, Aaron served as a baptism counselor and I greeted and directed people to the stadium.

The morning started very early.  We were to arrive and be in place by 8:00.  Aaron and I arrived at 7:30, checked in, changed into our t-shirts, and were put straight to work setting up first time guest tents until it was time for the volunteer meeting.

Making the drive to Durham.

Atop the parking dark as the sun rises over the horizon. The Durham Sky line.

Walking to the Stadium

Volunteers are beginning to arrive.

Line of volunteers, checking in, getting their t-shirts and entering the stadium.

Early morning view.

J.D. praying for us before we head out to our posts.

The sidewalk leading from the parking decks to the stadium.

Standing at my post on the sidewalk, in my official Summit shirt.

My street corner for the next two hours.  So blessed by the smiles and excited people
 I met while welcoming everyone to Church At the Ballpark.

The people are coming.

The masses are waiting to enter the gates.

The gates have opened.

Aaron took these pictures since he was in the stadium.

People are starting to fill in the the floor seating.

Pre-Sermon Entertainment

Summit Kids

Line at the women's bathroom.

It is getting full.

Walking to my seat on the fifth row, front and center.  I didn't actually get into the stadium until 11:15,
but Aaron had very sweetly saved me a seat and came and retrieved me.

Listening to the gospel preached.

The 6 baptismal pools are ready for the many who came forward.

Watching Matt, a small group member, be baptized.

Such a fantastic moment to experience with Matt.
530 people were baptized today, many of them making a public profession of faith.
I can not even begin to express how incredible it is to watch so many people being bold through
an outward expression of their new life, which is in Christ.

A beautiful picture of the many who gather today to worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Aaron and I loved serving today.  Looking forward to many more experiences.  Until next time...