Baptism celebrates becoming a new person, through the Holy Spirit. Sin and the evil powers of the world are put off and loyalty to Christ is pledged. In baptism God initiates a covenant with us, announced with the words, “The Holy Spirit works within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.” At Jesus’ baptism, God said, “This is my son.” While Jesus’ relation to God as Son is unique, for Christians baptism means that God has also chosen us as daughters and sons, and knows us intimately as a parent. That is why the introduction to the United Methodist Baptismal Covenant states, “We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.” Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are initiated into Christ’s holy church.

From the earliest times, children and infants were baptized and included in the church. Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. It makes no difference whether you are baptized as an adult or as a child, we all start on the journey at baptism. For the child, the journey begins in the nurturing community of the church, where he or she learns what it means that God loves you. At the appropriate time, the child will make his or her first confession of faith in the ritual the church traditionally calls confirmation.

For further information on how to become baptized, talk with our pastor who will be able to answer your questions and help you discern what next steps to take. Please contact us at 920-833-7308.