Baptism Sunday at Marilla Landing
Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Marilla Landing Pavilion
1131 W. Washington St., Bradford, PA 16701
There are few things worth celebrating more than a life changed by Jesus.
On Sunday, August 30, Open Arms Community Church and B-Free Church are coming together for a special outdoor Baptism Sunday at Marilla Landing—and you’re invited!
We’ll gather at 10:00 AM for worship, celebrate with those taking the step of baptism, and then stick around for a picnic together.
Important: Open Arms will NOT hold our regular 10:00 AM service at 71 Congress Street that morning. We’re taking church to Marilla!
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.
When someone goes under the water, it represents dying to the old life. Coming back out of the water represents being raised to new life with Christ.
Romans 6:4 tells us:
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Baptism doesn’t mean you have everything figured out. It doesn’t mean you’ve reached some level of spiritual perfection.
It means you’ve decided to follow Jesus—and you’re ready to say it publicly.
Jesus has given me new life. I belong to Him. I’m following Him.
See What Baptism Sunday Is Like
Last year, we gathered at Marilla Landing and celebrated as people publicly declared their faith in Jesus through baptism.
Take a look at what happened:
This year, we’re going back—and we’re ready to celebrate again!
Are You Ready to Be Baptized?
If you have decided to follow Jesus but haven’t been baptized, this could be your next step.
We would love for you to sign up ahead of time. Registering helps us prepare, gives our pastors an opportunity to connect with you, and lets us make sure you know what to expect.
But we want to make something very clear:
You do NOT have to sign up ahead of time to be baptized.
Maybe you come Sunday morning planning only to watch.
Maybe you hear the stories. Maybe you watch someone else go into the water. Maybe God starts stirring something in you and you realize:
It’s time. I’m ready.
If you decide on the spot that you want to be baptized, there’s nothing stopping you!
“But I didn’t bring a change of clothes.”
Clothes get dry.
It’s better to go home wet than to miss the opportunity to make that commitment to Jesus.
Don’t let logistics keep you from saying yes to what God is asking you to do.
If you’re ready, we’ll baptize you.
Two Churches. One Celebration.
This year’s Baptism Sunday is even more special because Open Arms Community Church and B-Free Church are celebrating together.
We may gather in different buildings on a typical Sunday, but we belong to the same Jesus. We share a desire to see people know Him, follow Him, and experience the new life He offers.
So we’re coming together at Marilla to worship, celebrate baptisms, eat together, make friends, and enjoy being part of the larger family of God.
Whether you call Open Arms home, attend B-Free, attend another church, or don’t have a church at all, you are welcome.
Bring your family. Invite some friends.
And when somebody comes up out of that water, let’s celebrate!
Stay for the Picnic — Bring a Dish to Pass!
Don’t head home when the baptisms are over!
After the service, we’re having a picnic together at the pavilion.
Bring a dish to pass—a side dish, salad, dessert, or that family recipe everybody keeps asking you to make.
Homemade is great. Store-bought is great.
Just bring something to share and come hungry!
More than anything, we want this to be a chance to slow down, eat together, meet some new people, make some new friends, and celebrate what God is doing in our community.
What Should I Bring?
- A lawn chair for the outdoor service
- A dish to pass for the picnic
- Clothes appropriate for the weather
- Your family and friends
- If you’re planning to be baptized, bring a towel and a change of clothes
And if you weren’t planning to be baptized but decide it’s time?
Remember:
Clothes get dry.
How Do I Get to Marilla Landing Pavilion?
Marilla Landing Pavilion
1131 W. Washington St.
Bradford, PA 16701
From Bradford, head west on West Washington Street / PA Route 346 and continue for approximately five miles toward Marilla Reservoir.
As you approach the reservoir, look for the Marilla Landing area and pavilion.
Tip: Cell service can be spotty around Marilla, so it’s a good idea to put the address into your GPS before you leave town.
Come Celebrate New Life With Us
Baptism Sunday isn’t just for the people getting wet.
It’s a celebration for the whole church.
It’s a reminder that Jesus is still changing lives.
So join Open Arms Community Church and B-Free Church at Marilla Landing.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
10:00 AM
Marilla Landing Pavilion
1131 W. Washington St., Bradford, PA
Come worship.
Come celebrate new life.
Come eat with us.
Come make some new friends.
And if you’re ready to be baptized, sign up today.
Or decide that morning.
Either way, don’t let anything keep you from saying yes to Jesus.
