Join Laura for a splashy, globe-trotting adventure in “Living Waters: Baptism Across the Christian World.” From Greek origins to Jesus’s own river baptism, we explore how Christians everywhere use water as a symbol of washing away mistakes and starting fresh.
In This Episode
- What Is Baptism?
- Discover how the word “baptizo” means “to immerse,” why water symbolizes new life, and how Jesus’s own baptism set the example for nearly 2,000 years of Christian practice.
- Guided Imagination
- Take a “River Walk” in your mind—feel the warm sun, hear the water lap, and imagine stepping into living waters surrounded by family and friends.
- Movement Moment: Water Stretch
- Stand tall, reach like a fountain, wave your arms like ocean currents, then jump in place as if splashing into a puddle. Let your body flow like water.
- Water Friendship Bridge
- Cross into Islam’s Wudu, Judaism’s mikvah, and Hindu ritual baths to celebrate how many faiths use water for cleansing and renewal.
- Baptism Detectives Game
- Match three characters to their baptism traditions (Baptist, Eastern Orthodox, Catholic) using clues.
- Baptism Science Challenge
- Turn your kitchen or backyard into a mini-lab with three experiments:
- Color water to stand for “sins,” then add a drop of bleach to make them vanish
- Soak dirty pennies in lemon juice until they shine
- Dip a sin-doodle in a Ziploc bag to watch it disappear by refraction
- Download full instructions in our free Baptism Science Experiments printable.
- Belief Backpack
- Pack away three treasures from today’s journey:
- Community – belonging to a supportive faith family
- Fresh Starts – knowing every day holds a new beginning
- Kindness – letting our compassion flow like water
- Story Time: Jesus’s Baptism
- Experience John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River, hear the dove descend, and listen as God’s voice proclaims “You are my beloved Son”
- Sneak Peek & Wrap-Up
- Take a 4th of July break, then dive into “What Goes Around: Exploring Karma”.
Laura’s Book List
- My Baptism Book (Board Book Edition)
- By Sophie Piper, illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic
- https://amzn.to/4jWHrcc
- A tender introduction for little ones, filled with simple prayers, blessings, and warm reflections perfect for reading aloud.
- Baptized in the Water: Becoming a Member of God’s Family
- By Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Anna Kazimi
- https://amzn.to/4jKCO4w
- Lyrical text and vibrant art celebrate infant and adult baptisms across cultures, showing how we all belong to God’s family.
- A Kid’s Guide to Baptism
- By Terry Glaspey
- https://amzn.to/3FWgdEj
- An interactive workbook of activities, reflection questions, and drawing pages that make preparing for baptism personal and fun.
- Baptism: For Kids and Parents
- By Jacob Riggs
- https://amzn.to/3SKNKV5
- A warm, conversational guide with discussion prompts, helping families explore the meaning and joy of baptism together.
- Baptism: Three Views
- By David F. Wright et al.
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