THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
"A person is incorporated into the universal church, the body of Christ, through the sacrament of baptism. The water, words, and actions of the sacrament are visible signs that convey the Christian's burial and resurrection with Jesus Christ. The invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the water and upon the candidates for baptism is an affirmation that it is God who takes the initiative in the sacrament. Baptism is both God's gift and our human response to that gift. It is a sign and seal of our common discipleship. Through baptism, Christians are brought into union with Christ, with each other and with the church of every time and place.
In the United Church of Christ people are baptized either as children or adults. Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of their participation in God's forgiveness, and the beginning of their new growth into full Christian faith and life" (UCC Book of Worship, 1986).
The parents, one of which must be a baptized Christian, and sponsors, both of which must be baptized Christians, promise to assume certain responsibilities when the person to be baptized is an infant or child. They covenant with God to nurture the infant or child in the Christian faith. Through confirmation those baptized as infants or children go through a period of instruction and the opportunity to personally profess their faith in their youth. At least one of the parents and all of the sponsors should be members in good standing of a Christian church.
Baptism is a joyful celebration! This is true in the lives of the celebrants and their families, and for the local church as well. It is a rebirth into the family of God and the beginning of a journey in relationship with our living God. Baptism is not a static momentary event, but the beginning of a lifelong process of conversion, transformation, and, growth.
Therefore, baptism should take place in public worship in the midst of the gathered community. Together the celebrants and their families and the local congregation can celebrate and rejoice in the new birth in Christ. In exceptional cases where it is not possible for the baptism to occur during the worship service, representatives of the local church will participate in the ceremony with the pastor.
To inquire about a baptism, contact the church office and talk with the pastor.
In the United Church of Christ people are baptized either as children or adults. Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of their participation in God's forgiveness, and the beginning of their new growth into full Christian faith and life" (UCC Book of Worship, 1986).
The parents, one of which must be a baptized Christian, and sponsors, both of which must be baptized Christians, promise to assume certain responsibilities when the person to be baptized is an infant or child. They covenant with God to nurture the infant or child in the Christian faith. Through confirmation those baptized as infants or children go through a period of instruction and the opportunity to personally profess their faith in their youth. At least one of the parents and all of the sponsors should be members in good standing of a Christian church.
Baptism is a joyful celebration! This is true in the lives of the celebrants and their families, and for the local church as well. It is a rebirth into the family of God and the beginning of a journey in relationship with our living God. Baptism is not a static momentary event, but the beginning of a lifelong process of conversion, transformation, and, growth.
Therefore, baptism should take place in public worship in the midst of the gathered community. Together the celebrants and their families and the local congregation can celebrate and rejoice in the new birth in Christ. In exceptional cases where it is not possible for the baptism to occur during the worship service, representatives of the local church will participate in the ceremony with the pastor.
To inquire about a baptism, contact the church office and talk with the pastor.
