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Southminster-Steinhauer United Church
An Affirming Congregation within the United Church of Canada

Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism is a joyous occasion in the life of a Christian Community of Faith. It celebrates both God’s grace-filled initiative to love us, and our response to that amazing grace. As someone has put it, baptism signifies God’s “YES” to us, and our “YES” to God. It is the service of initiation into the Body of Christ, the Church, and is therefore an act of blessing, welcoming, and belonging, as well as naming and claiming.

In the United Church of Canada, there is both ADULT BAPTISM and INFANT BAPTISM.

Adult Baptism

Persons aged 15 and over are welcome to prepare by attending a “Basic Beliefs” course. The act of ADULT BAPTISM not only includes the use of water, but also the declaration of “vows of confirmation” signifying the personal decision to commit to the ministry and mission of the Christian Community.

Note: An adult who was baptized as an infant/child is invited to participate in a “Basic Beliefs” course, and then celebrate his/her adult discipleship with the act of CONFIRMATION.

“Basic Beliefs” are usually offered at least twice per year running over a Friday night and day time Saturday.

Infant Baptism

Infants and children are welcomed into the Community of Faith using the water of Baptism (the format used is a light sprinkling on the head).

One of the parents or guardians is expected to have already been baptized, prior to having an infant/child baptized.

The family is expected to indicate the ways in which they are interested in making our church congregation the base for their faith-journey.

Preparation visits with Ministry Staff will be scheduled prior to Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism is part of a Sunday Service of Public Worship; private Baptisms are arranged only in extenuating circumstances, for example, within hospitals.

Dates for baptism are planned by the Staff and Worship Committee; they are held five or six times a year, and announced well in advance.

Families are welcome to include the involvement of “godparents / sponsors” in the service, although there is no specific requirement for them within United Church custom.

Since the baptism is part of a service of worship, it is asked that any picture taking be done after the service is over.

Contact the church office for more information, to check on dates, or to talk with one of the Ministers.