There were joyous scenes on Boscombe Beach as thousands gathered over two weekends to witness more than 120 people being baptised in the sea.
On 21 June, 43 people were baptised including several from St Swithun’s Church. This past weekend, a further 80 people took this public step of faith, with worshippers from St Clement’s Church and St Andrew’s in Charminster among those being baptised.
Mum and daughter Liz and Ollie were baptised together. Liz said, “We’ve been coming to St Andrew’s Church for quite a short time and this is the next step in our journey. You don’t have to have all the answers but I feel like I’ve let a lot of stuff go from the past and I feel really clear going forward now. It’s lovely here today with so many people.”
Amy Snow also attends St Andrew’s and said “As I came out of the water, I felt more alive than I ever have before. It was an outward expression of the inward change that God has been doing in my life. I’m so thankful that God met me where I was, even when I wasn’t looking for Him. He has taken brokenness and begun turning it into something beautiful. My story isn’t about having all the answers or being anywhere near perfect – it’s about the grace of Jesus and how He can transform a life.”
Around 1,200 people attended the first beach service, with more than 1,400 gathering last Sunday to celebrate, cheer and offer support and prayer.
Emily, 14, was among those being baptised. She said, “I’ve gradually been building up to it because I was actually baptised when I was seven. I’m 14 now and so my faith has always been there, but going to youth group and choosing to go to church for myself has helped me get to this point. Jesus is an all-powerful, perfect being who loves and cares for me as an individual. I started crying when I came out of the water. It was just so good.”
Caleb added, “My whole life I’ve grown up as a Christian in a Christian family, but today I decided I wanted to do it for me. It means everything. He is my saviour and my life.”
Poppy, who has been attending Lovechurch since last year, said, “I wanted to get baptised so I could confirm my faith as someone who didn’t grow up religious. Jesus is my everything. Before, I used to idolise the gym and everything would be above Jesus. I knew Him, but He would never be at the top. Now He’s above everything.”
This is the second year that the beach baptisms have taken place, organised by the BCP Church Collective, a group of 14 churches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The churches moved their morning services to the beach for a time of worship and sharing of testimonies. Congregations were joined by residents and visitors, creating an atmosphere of celebration.
Senior Leader at Lovechurch Bournemouth, Revd Tim Matthews, commented, “These baptisms are a sign of great hope for the church in BCP. They come out of many years of ecumenical prayer and friendship shared with pastors across the town. Our impact together is so much greater than anything we could accomplish alone.”
Tom Hodkinson, Church Leader of St Andrew’s Charminster added: “Beach baptisms are a sign of great hope for the church in Bournemouth and the surrounding area – the witness of the unity of the multiple churches gathering together to declare in word and deed the resurrection of Jesus and baptise new believers is always going to be a huge encouragement!”
Following the baptisms, hundreds of people stayed on the beach to enjoy a picnic and time of fellowship together.
It was also a special Sunday across other churches in the area. At the Parish of Milton, more than 70 people gathered at the 9.30am service to witness the baptism of congregation member Mirriam, conducted by rector Revd Jon Westall.
Meanwhile at St Peter’s Church in Ashley, Bishop Geoff Annas presided over the service celebrating the 70th anniversary of the laying of the church’s foundation stone. The celebrations continued with a bring-and-share lunch and a choral evensong.
Mirriam said “the service was one of the most meaningful and joyful days of my life as I was baptised in the presence of my family, friends, and my church family. Standing before them to publicly declare my faith in Jesus Christ was both humbling and uplifting. Knowing that so many people were there to witness and support me made the occasion even more special.”
For me, baptism was far more than a ceremony. It was a personal commitment to follow Christ and a celebration of the new life He has given me. As I entered the waters of baptism, I felt surrounded by God’s love and the love of everyone who had gathered to share this important milestone with me. It was a moment filled with peace, happiness, hope, and a real sense of belonging.”
