Clear Guidelines To Help You
These policies and procedures are in keeping with generally accepted practice throughout the United Church of Canada. They are not designed to be a barrier to obtaining the sacrament; rather they are in place to ensure that baptism has the meaning and effectiveness that will be of maximum spiritual benefit to the child or adult baptized.
If you wish to be baptized, or to have your child(ren) baptized, please call the church office and begin the process by completing our baptism information form. If possible at least two months advance notice is appreciated.
The Sacrament
Baptisms are different than weddings. Weddings are conducted under the authority of Provincial Law, and may be conducted without reference to the Church. Baptisms, on the other hand, are a unique rite of the Church, a sacrament, in which water is used to demonstrate our identity with Jesus. As it is the means by which people join the Christian faith, it is an act undertaken in the Church, with great seriousness and great joy.
Imagine people immersed in the River Jordan centuries ago, and you can see how baptism was an imitation of Christ. To be held under water gave the appearance of death - a drowning or a burial. Immersion was a symbol intended to show that one "died to sin". To be lifted up from the water at last, to draw in a breath of fresh air, was a graphic symbol of new life.
Although we in the United Church tradition most often baptize (infants) by sprinkling rather than immersion, the intention is the same. To be baptized is to identify oneself with crucifixion (death) and resurrection (new life) of Jesus, and so be joined to the body of Christ. It shows we wish to leave behind a life which is alienated from God. It shows that we wish to move into a life which is empowered by God; we want to be "raised to new life in Christ". Adults who wish to be baptized by immersion may be thus baptized.
Preparation
One is received by baptism either as an adult after proper instruction in the faith, or as a child, on the strength of the parent's commitment. The water becomes a "means of grace" when there is faith on the part of one receiving it or on the part of the child's parents.
The parents are asked to profess their faith in God as revealed in Christ and to commit themselves to make their Christian faith attractive to their children. Parents do this by their own daily witness, sharing in word and deed the truths and values taught by Jesus. They also promise to encourage their children to grow up to be Christian men and women and to profess for themselves the faith in which they were baptized. This profession or renewal of faith, known as "Confirmation", may occur anytime after age 14. The church offers Christian education opportunities for both adults and children, to help parents in this task.
Promises Made by Parents
I ask you before God and this congregation, do you profess your faith in God your heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ your Saviour and Lord, and in the Holy Spirit your Teacher and Guide? Answer: I do.
Will you bring up your children in the knowledge and love of God, teaching them the truths and duties of the Christian faith? Answer: I will, God being my helper.
Will you make a Christian home for them, so fashioning your lives that they may come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour? Answer: I will, God being my helper.
Will you encourage them to seek Confirmation, so that being strengthened in faith by the Holy Spirit and nurtured at the Table of the Lord, they may go forth to serve God faithfully in the world? Answer: I will, God being my helper.
The Support of the Congregation
When parents present children for baptism they are asking the Church to receive them into its care and fellowship. The Church is expected to provide these little ones with education and nurture, thus assisting the parents in the Christian upbringing of their children. The congregation is asked "to receive these children in Christ's name and to support them with constant love, wholesome example, Christian teaching and faithful prayer." At Fort Garry United Church, children are included in most, if not all, aspects of congregational life and work.
Godparents
Some may wish to designate adult friends to serve as godparents. Godparents are not guardians. Guardianship is specified by your will. Godparents are committed instead to assist in helping the children grow in the knowledge and love of God. They help the parents to nurture these children in the Christian Faith. Such person should themselves be active, professing believers in Christianity, and understand the commitment they undertake. They should attend the preparatory meeting and the service where they make their vows in the Sacrament.
Requirements
At Fort Garry United we welcome ALL children in the name of Christ, who blessed without discrimination the children who came to him. Our primary concern is always for them, that they might grow in the likeness of Jesus.
The guidance and personal example of parents is crucial in the religious development of their children. As infants are baptized on the strength of the faith of the parents, it is assumed that parents themselves are, or wish to be, involved in the life of the Christian Church.
Therefore it is required that
- at least one parent be an active member of some denomination of the Christian Church,
- parents be present in worship at least once in the month prior to the baptism, at which time they may be introduced to the congregation,
- parents also attend a preparatory meeting on an evening at least a month prior to the baptism.
At that time you may review the vows, rehearse the movement of the service, and get to know the minister and the other parents.
We therefore need 2 months notice to process your request for baptism. It is not a commitment to make on a whim.
Special Arrangements?
Where neither parent is a confirmed member of any Christian denomination, the baptism may proceed only with the assurance that one parent is committed to become a member at the earliest date thereafter.
When parents come from another city or town for the baptism,we ask that a letter from the minister of your home congregation be sent to us. This letter should indicate that you have met to discuss the meaning and importance of the promises you are undertaking, and that that congregation will fulfill the vows we make on their behalf. This letter needs to get to us at least six weeks prior to the baptism. It is our practice to write to the home congregation to confirm the completed baptism.
Photographs may be taken following the service; they are not permitted during the service.
If you wish to videotape the baptism, please speak to the minister first.
Private baptisms are not performed except when very special circumstances make it necessary.
