SERVICES

The Covenant of Baptism:

 “Baptism celebrates God’s initiative and our response.  It is God’s “Yes!” to us and our “Yes” to God.  It is a sign of the Divine-human covenant.  Baptism flows from God’s unmerited grace and pours out in waves of gratitude and commitment.  As initiation into the Church, the Body of Christ, it is an act of welcoming, blessing and belonging.”   From Celebrate God’s Presence:  A Book of Services.

In History:

In the Bible, and in the early church, baptism was a regular part of initiating adults into the community of the church…a person’s response to God’s love that was evident in their lives. Children and infants were baptized because they were part of the family unit.  Their parents’ commitments, values and faith influenced and spoke for the whole family.

Where is baptism carried out?

Baptism happens in the community of the church with other people who share the same hopes, faith and longing.  It can happen in a regular worship service.  It can happen in the context of a Bible Study group, it can happen in a hospital or home setting as long as members of the faith community are present.

Who baptizes?

The church baptizes.  The promises are made in the context of community.  A minister who has been given the Rite of Sacrament by the United Church of Canada officiates at the ceremony.

Who is baptized?

Adults who have never made a profession of faith and wish to be baptized.

Children of parents or legal guardians requesting baptism.  If parents are not baptized at the time, they may be encouraged to be baptized along with their children, although this response is an invitation rather than a requirement.

What preparation do they have?

Those seeking baptism will meet with the minister to share in a faith conversation about baptism.  They will go over the history and meaning of baptism in the church, and examine the statements of faith, promises and vows connected to it.  They will talk about how this will be lived out in their lives.

What are the key elements of baptism?

In connection with partner churches around the world, the following  elements are part of a Christian baptism:

·      Profession of faith in God as expressed in the trinity. (God, Jesus the  Christ, Holy Spirit)

·      Commitment to seek justice and resist evil

·      Commitment to follow in the way of Jesus

·      Commitment to the mission and ministry of the church

What is the hope for the baptized person?

To continue to grow in faith and live out their baptism in their daily life.

To connect with the church and its mission and ministry in the world.

What is the commitment of the sponsor or godparents?

The godparents promise to support the life and spiritual development of the baptized person. The role of “Godparents” in the United Church of Canada traditionally has been filled by the whole congregation.  However, some parents or candidates may choose to call upon the support of special family members and friends.  This may be particularly meaningful for persons from specific cultural or religious backgrounds. 

            *note:  the appointment of a godparent is not a legal designation. It does not automatically make someone guardian over a minor in the case of loss of parents.  In order to do this, the parents need to make a legal will and specify a guardian in that document.

What is the work of the church?

The work of the church is to be members of the Body of Christ, who are all living out their baptism.  The church will be a welcoming, supportive and faith-filled people who will offer opportunities for the baptized to grow and mature in their own faith journey, and share in the wider mission with others.

Baptism in Extraordinary Circumstances.

Baptisms are normally conducted in the community of the church at a regular worship service.  It is not a “private family service.”  However, special circumstances may arise in which the whole congregation cannot or need not be present.

·      In the case of those who are hospitalized or home-bound through illness or disability

·      In the case of those with extreme anxiety.

·      Other personal circumstances that make it difficult or impossible for the baptismal candidate to be baptized at a regular worship service.

In these situations, members of the Board, or the congregation may accompany the minister in a baptism, and represent the larger body of the church and its promises.

How are decisions made about who is baptized?

Names of potential candidates are brought to the worship committee and/or Official Board to be received.  If special circumstances are indicated, they will be discussed and planned for. It is the general policy of the Rimbey United Church that we do not create barriers between the church and the people regarding baptism.  We do not stand in the way of God’s grace.  We rely on the abundant love of God to assist all of us as the church in fulfilling our vows and promises.