Baptism

What is Baptism?

When people became Christians in the early church, they were baptized as Jesus had been; that is they went down under the water and came up again. This "burial under water" meant that they were dying to their old way of life and being born into a new life. Jesus made this possible by his own death and resurrection. Although, in the United Church, people are seldom baptized by going under the water (though we do baptize this way on occasion), the meaning is still the same.

Baptism stands for the new life God gives us through Jesus. It proclaims that God has made us members of his family.

Since children cannot understand what is being done, their parents and the church act on their behalf. Parents promise to bring their child up in the Christian faith. We, the members of the church, promise to help them. It is our hope and prayer that when the child is old enough to understand, they will speak up and choose to be confirmed* as one of Christ's people. *Confirmation is a Christian ceremony, usually undertaken in the high school years. “Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We 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

Once you decide to have your child baptized, you are asked to call the church office and make your request. Our office staff will take down all the basic information required, and mail out an information package for you to review. Included in the package is a form for you to complete and send back to the office.

Your request will then be passed on to the ministers who will review your information with the board of Elders. Once the committee has reviewed your information, your family will be included in the next scheduled baptism service. Parents are required to attend a baptism preparation session, usually held within the two weeks prior to baptism. The purpose of the session is to prepare parents for the commitment they are making to raise their child in the church.

If you are not already connected to a faith community it is also hoped that you will consider becoming a member of Calvary United Church. We want to continue to support you and your child(ren) as you grow in faith. We also have an excellent children's program a fun, friendly and safe environment where children can grow closer to God.