Baptisms

• A child is much more than “mine” or “ours.” He/she/they are God’s creation, God’s child.
• We need to surround a child with love and promises from God, the faith community and parents/guardians.
• Parents are not enough. A child needs to belong to a community, a people of faith who share a history, a way of life, and a hope for the future.
• A child is part of the human race which experiences many self-justifying impulses. Self-love can easily run amuck, trusting what is not trustworthy - all that the Christian faith calls “sin.” Every human should receive God’s forgiving and liberating power.
• We want a child to be raised as a Christian, living the abundant life of dwelling in Christ.

The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptisma” which means “immersion in water or
washing in water.” Christian baptism is a once-in-a -lifetime immersion or washing.

Baptism is one of two sacraments, the other being communion. A sacrament is something that
Jesus commanded us to do that uses a physical element to connect with God’s promise, the
Word of God, which gives faith. Baptism is water and the Word. Communion is bread/wine and
the Word.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 29:19 (NLT)

• We become part of a faith family, claimed as a child of God.
• We receive the forgiveness of sins.
• We are joined to Christ in his death and resurrection (eternal life).

"He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7 (NLT)

• Live with your child among God’s faithful people.
• Bring your child to the word of God and communion.
• Teach your child the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the Ten Commandments.

So that your child may:

• Learn to trust God.
• Proclaim Christ through word and deed.
• Care for others.
• Care for the world God made.
• Work for justice and peace.

• Plan to celebrate your child’s baptism on its anniversary each year. Light the candle
  used from the ceremony.
• Use the outlined liturgy given in your baptism gift bag from the congregation.
• Make it special to your family!

Baptism is not just a one-off event. Baptism is to be remembered every day of your life!

Baptisms normally take place during the worship service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, witnessed by our full congregation. This is important, because during the ceremony, the congregation makes a promise to the person being baptized to support that person in his/her/their spiritual growth. The ceremony takes about 5–7 minutes, and includes:

• Welcoming to the front of the church during a worship service
• Pouring and blessing of the water
• Asking three questions of faith:
  • To parents
  • To sponsors
  • To the congregation
• Blessing with water
• Anointing with oil
• Praying for the newly baptized
• Presenting to the congregation

• Contact the church office by email or phone 402.423.5511
• Complete the Schedule a Baptism form

The person being baptized will receive a baptismal certificate, candle, candle holder and napkin
to mark the celebration.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in
heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)