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What is baptism?

Christian baptism is the starting point of a life lived in relationship with God through Christ. In baptism you are plugged into the source of God’s love and power—the greatest resource available to the world.

 

Baptism is a community event and is conducted during worship services. When you are baptized, you are brought into a caring community that promises to stand with you as you either raise your child in this challenging world or live as a Christian in an unchristian world.

 

Baptism is offered to all ages at Grace Lutheran—infants to adults.

 

How do I get started?

 

1. Begin to worship regularly at Grace.

2. Attend a baptism workshop.

3. Schedule a baptism date.

Worship with us
At the heart of the Christian faith is regular worship. We believe corporate worship is essential to a balanced Christian life. Therefore, we ask that this be a normal part of your spiritual journey prior to baptism.

 

It is not necessary that you be a member of Grace Lutheran Church in order to be baptized or have your child(ren) baptized. However, since baptism is the beginning of a person’s spiritual life within our community, we ask that parents be involved in this spiritual growth and actively worship at Grace.

 

Register for a Baptism workshop
In order to help parents understand what baptism is all about and how they can foster the spiritual lives of their children, we ask that they attend a baptism workshop. At this class, parents meet others who are preparing for baptism and it is a wonderful way in which to connect and feel supported and encouraged. The classes are held at the church on Saturday mornings.This three-hour workshop explores the meaning of baptism and offers encouragement for parents as they grow faith in the lives of their children. (If you have had a child previously baptized at Grace, it is not necessary for you to attend the class a second time.)

For the next baptism class, contact Lisa

 

Schedule a Baptism date
Normally, baptisms are scheduled every 7-8 weeks during the 9am and 10:20am Sunday worship services. During the summer, baptisms are scheduled at both the 8:30am and 10am services. On request, baptisms can be scheduled at the 5pm Saturday services.

 

For more information, contact Lisa or Kim, Directors of Children's Ministries

 

Frequently asked questions               

 

Do you baptize older children?
Yes, w e often have the privilege to baptize older children. Usually a pastor or staff member works individually with the child to prepare them for baptism. We recommend that parents attend the baptism workshop.

 

During the baptism, parents and sponsors, will be asked to make the following promise: Will you faithfully bring your child to worship, teach him/her the Lords Prayer, the creeds, the Ten Commandments, place in his/her hands the Holy Scriptures and provide for his/her instruction in the Christian faith?

 

For more information, contact Lisa or Kim, Directors of Children's Ministries

 

Do you baptize adults?
Yes, we believe that baptism is for all ages. Since ancient times, the Christian Church has baptized both infants and adults.

 

“Baptism is God’s gift of overwhelming grace. We baptize infants as if they were adult, addressing them with questions, words, and promises that their parents, sponsors, and congregation help them know and believe as they mature. We baptize adults as if they were infants, by washing and clothing them with God’s love in Christ.” (From The Use of the Means of Grace – A Statement on the Practice of Word and Sacrament from the ELCA).

 

For more information, contact Lisa or Kim, Directors of Children's Ministries