Hutchinson says be moved by "water and the Spirit"

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) - Bishop William W. Hutchinson, episcopal leader for the Louisiana area, challenged United Methodists during the April 26 morning worship service to move toward the baptismal waters and to be moved by the Holy Spirit.
The worship service was one of 18 services scheduled during the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, being held April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Thousands were sprinkled with the water as young confirmands moved throughout the meeting space, wetting branches and shaking them over worshippers. Those present made signs of acceptance and renewed their baptismal commitment as musicians sang, "Rain down, rain down, rain down your love on your people."
Hutchinson spoke about another baptism service he attended four years ago in Havana, Cuba, when close to 200 "eager souls" gathered in the courtyard of one of the city's largest Methodist churches. "Leaders from The Americas and the Caribbean were there to celebrate the exploding church in that area of the world," he said and added that the fact that the church was allowed to hold the service in its courtyard was a milestone because of the government's stance toward religion...moore>>>