BAPTISM AT BETHANY

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in a baptism at Bethany Lutheran Church. This document is intended to help you with the planning of this important event. Our goal is to help you understand the meaning of baptism and the procedures followed at Bethany for the planning and performance of a baptism.

A CRITICAL FIRST STEP

Baptism is a critical first step in the Christian life of every believer. Lutherans baptize infants, older children and adults.

Baptism brings individuals into the family of God and it is the first step on a life-long journey of faith. The faith that begins at baptism must be nurtured and strengthened for a lifetime. This is done through regular worship, studying the Bible and being in community with God’s people.

A MEETING WITH PASTOR SARA

To help your family understand the meaning of baptism in the Lutheran Church, Pastor Sara will set up an appointment with you to explain the meaning of the baptism service and the promises that you and your baptismal sponsors will be asked to make before God and God’s people.

BAPTISM PROMISES

Parents will be asked to make promises for their children; adults will commit to their own promises.

At the time your child is baptized, you will promise to: live with them among God's faithful people, bring them to the word of God and the holy supper, teach them the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, place in their hands the holy scriptures, and nurture them in faith and prayer, so that your children may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made and work for justice and peace.

SPONSORS

You will be asked to have baptismal sponsors present at the service. Your sponsors will promise to accompany you on your journey or care for the spiritual needs of your child if you are unable to do so. Your sponsors will be Christian people who are willing to keep the promises that they will make on the day of the baptism.

CONNECTED TO THE WORSHIP LIFE OF GOD’S PEOPLE

Baptisms are normally performed in the church – as part of a Christian worship service – before a group of gathered believers. Because Lutherans believe that Holy Baptism brings an individual into the family of God, the church (the family of God gathered in worship), will want to be part of this important event. God’s gathered people will promise, along with you and your sponsors, to pray for you (or for parents-- you and your child). Except in the case of emergencies, private baptisms are discouraged at Bethany because they tend to disconnect baptism from the wider life of the church and its people.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A baptism is a wonderful opportunity for renewal and re-dedication to God for all the members of your family. May God bless the important decisions and plans you are making at this time! Please contact Pastor Sara if you have any further questions, or if you would like to set up an appointment. For more information on what Lutherans believe about baptism, see The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada website on Baptism