The New Testament records instances of Jesus preaching from a boat (Matthew 13:2, Mark 4:1, Luke 5:3). More than 2,000 years later, Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association is doing basically the same thing. However, instead of a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee, they are using the Lillypad II on Lake Wawasee.

Every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the association hosts the Wawasee Boat-In Worship. The first boat-in for 2012 drew several hundred attendees Sunday.

The lake shore of Oakwood Park begins filling before 8 a.m. where people come to worship from the shore and by boat.

This year’s boat-in theme is “First Things First — Priorities.”

Following the Sunday services, an offering is taken. In keeping with boat-in tradition, a special treat also awaits each canine attendee.

Next week’s Lake Wawasee Boat-In Worship service begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday on the shore of Oakwood Park. Those who wish to ride the Lillypad II need to be on board by 7:30 a.m. There is no cost to ride the Lillypad during boat-in. Attendees are also welcome to sit on shore or come via their own boats.

Boat-in worship services are also available on Dewart Lake through Dewart Lake Community Friends Church, Tippecanoe Lake through Leesburg United Methodist Church and Webster Lake through North Webster United Methodist Church.