Baptism
Baptism is an opportunity to publicly celebrate the love and grace of God in the midst of the Christian community. It is also the visible sign and sole rite of our full entry and initiation into membership with the Body of Christ, the Church.
Baptism it is an act of welcoming, blessing and belonging. In Baptism the parents of the children to be baptized or adult candidates for baptism respond to God’s graceful act with a profession of public faith.
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:27-28 NRSV
The Commitment:
The policy of St. Andrew’s United is that baptism is to take place in the midst of the worshipping life of the community of faith during a regular service of worship, Sunday morning at 11:00am.
It is our expectation that those who begin the journey to baptism for themselves, or for their children, will endeavour to live into the vows and promises made during baptism being vitally involved with the ongoing life of the congregation. When, individuals, parents, sponsors or godparents (honourary) make baptismal promises for themselves or on behalf of children, they are making a public declaration of faith, and a solemn vow.
The Act of Baptism:
The rite of baptism is celebrated in the midst of the full worshipping community because the congregation also vows and commits to supporting the candidate for baptism in their ongoing spiritual growth. The “Act of Baptism” usually includes the following ritual actions:
- A Statement of Purpose about Baptism
- Welcome and Presentation of those to be Baptized
- A Profession of Faith and Congregational Commitments
- Promises and Commitments of those to be Baptized or their representatives
- A Symbolic Pouring of the Waters of Baptism
- Baptism in the Name of the Triune God
- A Blessing for the newly baptized
- Laying on of Hands/Anointing with Oil/Presentation of Candle as appropriate
- Presentation to the Congregation of the one/s newly Baptized
The person being baptized will receive a Baptismal Certificate to mark the celebration and it will be recorded in our Baptismal Registry.
The Covenant:
Typical questions of the Candidate for Baptism or their representatives include the following;
I ask you before God and this congregation, do you profess your faith in one God; Creator, Christ and Spirit?
Response: I DO.
In the presence of this community of faith, do you commit yourself to following the way of Christ in your public and private life?
Response: I WILL, GOD BEING MY HELPER.
Will you participate in the life of the Church, being strengthened to serve God faithfully in the world?
Response: I WILL, GOD BEING MY HELPER.
(With children)
Will you nurture your child and grow together in faith?
Response: I WILL, GOD BEING MY HELPER.
Will you encourage your children to participate in the life of the Church, so that they may be strengthened to serve God faithfully in the world?
Response: I WILL, GOD BEING MY HELPER.
Here at St. Andrew’s the Sacrament of Baptism is open to all people committed to the life of faith regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender or cultural background. For more information and to explore the possibility of Baptism at St. Andrew’s please feel free to contact the church office at any time.