Baptism is a sacrament – something that is sacred, or holy, and has special significance for Christians. During the ritual of baptism, everyone has the opportunity to experience the reality of God’s grace and God’s love which are freely given.
Baptism welcomes and connects us to the family of God, a world-wide community of disciples of all ages and races. During a baptism the whole congregation makes promises to support the one being baptized.
Baptism is an act of the church by which someone is welcomed in a special way
into the Christian community and becomes a member of the church, the Body of Christ. With the visible, outward sign of water, the church recognizes that the one
being baptized has a new life in Christ.
Baptism is a visible symbol of God’s love. The word “baptize” means to
sprinkle or immerse in water. In biblical times water was both a precious product
and a religious symbol for purification, renewal, and life. The water used in
Baptism is a symbol of cleansing, restoring, and giving new life.
From the days of the early church, the children of believing parents have been
baptized and nurtured in the family of God. This acknowledges that children are also
part of the covenant relationship with God. When these children are older, they can
make their own profession of faith in Christ, affirming the faith into which they were baptized. The baptism of children clearly indicates that this is God’s action. God’s love is always with us and does not result from any act of ours. The promises
we make in baptism are in response to God’s gracious love.
Remember your baptism. Those who were baptized as infants often celebrate this
experience by lighting their baptismal candles each year to remember that day.
Whenever we participate in the baptism of others, we say again the baptismal promises, and keep growing in our understanding of the importance of this act in our lives.
Baptism rituals and practices vary from church to church, but there are some common
elements:
• baptism usually takes place during public worship, when the community is gathered
• the worship leader gives the names of the one being baptized
• the one being baptized (or their parents/sponsors) makes promises
• the faith community pledges support, and promises that they will be part of the ongoing journey of faith of the one being baptized
• the worship leader offers prayers for the one being baptized
• sometimes gifts are given

Ways to include children in the sacrament of baptism.
Children can…
• be invited to gather near the font
• carry the water to the font
• present the gifts (candle, certifi cate, Bible)
• make welcome cards
Parents can…
• talk about some of the symbols of baptism water — restores, cleanses, and brings new life candle — God’s presence white clothes — new life sea shell — an ancient symbol of baptism
• explain the promises that are made by parents and the congregation
• help children learn and join in the responses to the questions to the congregation
• make sure that children have an unobstructed view during a baptism.

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For more information about the meaning of Baptism and Baptism services, please call the Reverend Lael Atkinson at 671-484-1542.