Congratulations!
Baptisms are occasions of great joy, both in the life of a family and in
the life of the church. We congratulate you on the new beginning celebrated in this
service of baptism and pray your joy will find its fulfillment in the promises of grace
this sacrament affirms.
Baptism is our sign and seal of God's promises: to save us from our sins; to form us into
the Body of Christ, the church; to send the Holy Spirit daily to strengthen and renew us;
and to bring us to eternal life.
Baptism - Bronwyn
Gardner Metz
56K Modem Cable/DSL |
We, in turn, promise to love and trust God
completely; to resist the temptation of evil -- in what we do, in what we say, in what we
choose to ignore; to love our neighbor as ourselves; and to live a new and holy life.
And, when we bring our children to baptism, we also promise to pray with them and for
them, and to bring them up in the knowledge and love of God.
We celebrate the sacrament of baptism on the third Sunday of each month. Sometimes baptism
is celebrated during the morning worship service and sometimes after the service. The main
distinction between the times regards the community of friends and family who promise
their support to the person being baptized or to the parents bringing their children for
baptism. If that community of support is the congregation of this church, then it is
appropriate to have the baptism during worship. If the congregation will not serve as that
community, then after worship is appropriate.
Some families also ask relatives or friends to stand up as Godparents for their children
at baptism. We incorporate this into our service when requested.
We like to meet with all those seeking baptism to get acquainted and go over the service,
and the office will make an appointment for you to meet with one of the Pastors.
Some information is given below, but please don't hesitate to ask if you have additional
questions.
Photo/Video Policy
We ask that you refrain from taking flash photographs during any part of the worship
service. If you would like pictures of the baptism, the pastor will be glad to stay with
you for photographs after the service. Videotaping of the service is permitted, but please
be discreet.
Restrooms
Restrooms can be found downstairs. There is ample shelf space in the women's room to
change diapers.
Child Care
Child care is available from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m.(summer hours 9:00 to 10:00) in the parish
house for all children from newborn through age 3. If you are visiting the church and wish
to bring your child to child care after the baptism service, feel free to take him/her up
during regular Church School dismissal (usually during the second hymn). An usher will be
glad to direct you to the parish house.
Christian Education Program
We have a very active Church School program for children ages 3 years through 8th grade.
Our enrollment averages about 200. The curriculum provides a religious education that is
positive and creative. The volunteer staff is extremely dedicated to guiding our children
on their journey of spiritual growth. If you are visiting and your children would like to
attend our Church School, please bring them to the parish house. There is a person on hall
duty each Sunday who will be happy to direct you to the correct room(s). Enrollment in our
Church School is accepted at any time during the year. You may register your
child(children) any Sunday by seeing the person on hall duty.
Questions? - Please ask us |
