The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Parents will, as a matter of course, assume responsibility for the spiritual nurture of their children baptized in infancy or as young children. It is appropriate for others to sponsor the children and share that responsibility. Sponsors (God-parents), parents, and their families accompany the infant and participate in the ceremony for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Sponsors should be chosen with great care. They should be practicing Christians.
- Holy Baptism is normally celebrated within the chief service of the congregation. When extraordinary circumstances require Baptism at other times, a public announcement will be made at the service the Sunday following.
- Signing the candidate with the cross is a significant part of the ceremony, traceable to the early Church. Other uses of the sign of a cross in worship services become acknowledgments and affirmations of Baptism.
- A lighted candle is given during the ceremony. It is to be extinguished immediately after the final Amen of the ceremony.
- It is most important that parents understand and agree to the responsibility for nurture that is part of Baptism.
The Church has always acknowledged that baptizing and teaching go together. When parents present children for Baptism, they also agree to do all that they can do that these children “be brought up in the true knowledge and worship of God and be taught the ten commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, and that, as they grow in years, they place in their hands the Holy Scriptures, bring them to the services of God’s House, and provide for their further instruction in the Christian faith, that they come to the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood, and thus, abiding in their baptismal grace and in communion with the Church, they may grow up to lead a godly life to the praise and honor of Jesus Christ.
Please contact the church office or Pastor Sachs for more information.