Temperatures of 110 degrees keep even the most avid sun lover indoors with the air-conditioning or in a hammock under the shade of towering trees. But Cedar City church members decided recently that the wilting heat was a perfect reason to don swimsuits and head to the Virgin River for a group baptism.

Even though the day was scorching and the water not much cooler, 10 new members were baptized into the Cedar City church family. "They all knew it was going to be a hot day, but that didn't deter the new members from wanting to be baptized," explained Pastor Bob Maehre. "So instead of robes, the baptismal candidates wore swimming suits and lighter material clothing items."

Most of the newly-baptized members made the decision to join the Cedar City family after weeks of Bible study with the head elder, Antonio Perez. Bo Leniger found the church after watching 3ABN. Three others — Eugene Powell and Tarry and Dana Rea — joined the church by profession of faith.

The 10 new members doubled the church membership. "I was surprised and excited to learn that the Cedar City church is the only church within the Nevada-Utah Conference to experience 100% growth in one year," said Maehre, who accepted the call to pastor in Cedar City just over a year ago.

Aaron Maehre, the pastor's son, was re-baptized with the group.