Baptism
Baptism is for those adults and older children who have made a commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Baptism is also for infants and younger children of parents who intend to raise their children to serve Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Those who intend to be baptized need to attend worship regularly. If you or your child is ready for baptism, please contact the clergy at the church office.
When we Baptize
We baptize on the four traditional Christian feast days of the Church Year: Baptism of our Lord (the Sunday after Epiphany), Easter Vigil, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints’ Sunday. We also baptize on a Sunday in early August. Please consult the church calendar for exact dates for this year.
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What is baptism?
1. Baptism is a Burial
(3) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4).a
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2. Baptism is a Command
(18) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
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3. Baptism is the Mark of the Covenant
In Old Testament times circumcision was the outward and visible mark of the covenant.
11You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you (Genesis 17:11).
In New Testament times baptism is the outward and visible mark of the covenant.
4. Baptism is a Tattoo
St. Augustine of Hippo (Northern Africa), described baptism as an invisible tattoo given to us by Christ. Jesus Christ is claiming us as his.
5. Baptism is a Sacrament
The word sacrament, comes from the Latin word sacramentum. "Sacramentum" comes from the Greek word mysterium. The sacraments are mysteries.
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“The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace” (Book of Common Prayer 857).