Baptism
Baptism is an outward representation of God’s power and love that has been invested in all creation since the beginning of time. It marks the beginning of our earthly journey, the liberation of the human spirit, and the conquest of life over death through the power of Love as represented by the faith and life of Jesus Christ.
Baptism is also a declaration of intent to follow the path of Christ’s love in the world. We declare that we will follow in the apostles’ teachings, gather with other Christians, pray for the world, and serve to bring reconciliation to the broken and rest to the weary. It is a path of compassion, liberation and courage.
As we are in a culture where infant baptisms are optional, we believe this as an opportunity for more conversation about the role of religion, Christianity, spirituality and faith in our life, not less. We can now discuss baptism with more intentionality, not merely because it is demanded or respected by others.
The church has days set aside for baptismal celebrations. These include:
- The Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after January 6th)
- Holy Saturday [the evening before Easter]
- Pentecost [Usually in late May or early June – about seven weeks after Easter]
- All Saint’s Day or the Sunday of All Saint’s [November 1st or the following Sunday]
We may, however, celebrate baptisms on
- The Feast of the Transfiguration (Feb 2nd)
- The Last Sunday in Epiphany, [usually in late January or February]
- Ascension Day (a Thursday in May, usually)
- Any Sunday in Easter
- Or Christ the King (the Last Sunday in Pentecost)
Before baptism the family MUST
- Meet with the priest
- Come to services for no less than six weeks before the baptism.
- Attend one class 5 hour class
- We offer baptismal / New Member classes on selected Saturdays from 10-3.
- 2007 classes: March 31st, May 19th and October 27th
- You must register one week in advance [call the office]
Other requirements:
Arrangements must be made two months previously.
The godparents must be baptized Christians and at least one of them should be in good standing with a church. They should know the Christian story with confidence. We hope the Godparents will help us with the celebration after the service.
"Good standing" means a confirmed, contributing member of a Christian church who attends services at least four times a year.
The church provides a baptismal candle, cloth, certificate and a cake during fellowship. If the family is a pledging member of the parish, the hall is available for a larger reception afterwards.
There is never any cost for baptism. However, we do expect that committed Christians support the work of the church on a regular basis.