TO ARRANGE FOR A BAPTISM CALL US AT (905) 825-5292
Baptism is something to celebrate. A child is someone to celebrate. God's love is something to celebrate. As a result, Baptism is celebrated on a regular basis, usually one to three Baptisms at a time.
Infant Baptism is quite common, although children, youth and adults also receive the sacrament from time to time. It is open to all, regardless of age. (This pamphlet deals primarily with questions about infant or child baptism.)
Baptism is one of two sacraments in the United Church of Canada. The other sacrament is
the Lord's Supper--also known as "Communion."
God acts in Baptism by receiving your child into God's care and within the fellowship of
Christ's church. God uses the occasion of Baptism for making God's love known.
The order of service for the Baptism of Children involves promises or vows which are
taken by both the parents and the congregation.
Promises of the Congregation:
Minister: Do you the members of Glen Abbey United Church receive this
child (these children) in Christ's name promising to support (him, her, them) with
constant love, wholesome example, Christian teaching and faithful prayer? Are you willing
to accept so great a responsibility?
Congregation: We are willing, God being our Helper.
Promises of the Parent(s):
Minister: I ask you, the parents, before God and this congregation: Do
you believe in God and in God's love?
Parents: I do.
Minister: Will you bring up your (child, children) in the knowledge and
love of God, teaching him (or her) the truths and duties of the Christian Faith?
Parents: I will God being my helper.
Minister: Will you make a Christian home for him (or her) so fashioning your
lives that your child (or children) may come to know Christ as Lord and Saviour?
Parents: I will God being my helper.
Minister: Will you encourage your child (or children) to seek
confirmation, so that being strengthened in faith by the Holy Spirit and nurtured at the
table of the Lord he (or she) may go forth to serve God faithfully in the world?
Parents: I will God being my helper.
There is a very basic meaning in the questions: in faith parents recognize God's love for
themselves and their children, and in dedication they promise to raise their children in
Christian homes, and in relationship to the church. As the church, we promise to be
intentional about our life and ministry to one another.
Membership in the congregation is not required, but it is encouraged. The promises of Baptism are almost identical to the promises of membership. We also recognize that it is not always convenient to attend membership classes when there is a new baby at home. However, our congregation takes its promises to parents seriously by being intentional about welcoming children, youth and adults into its fellowship, by offering the finest Sunday school and Christian education programs it can muster with its present resources, and by asking that parents be in regular attendance at worship prior to the Baptism so that the congregation can know and recognize the parents and the child when asked to make their promises.
By being the kind of parent whose care and discipline will help your child to
understand God's love.
By cultivating consistent Christian attitudes to life, and so help your child to live with
faith and courage.
By joyful participation in the life and mission of the Church.
By introducing your child early to prayer, Bible stories, and worship.
By helping the Church provide Christian education for your child and the children of
others.
By remembering that all baptized children are received by the Church in the name of
Christ, and supporting them with love, prayer, Christian example and teaching.
God makes each child different--each with their own inner life which you should respect, and each with their own gifts and purpose which you should watch and wait for. Most Christians are home grown. God can and will work through you and your home.
Children in kindergarten and up, are welcome at the Lord's Table to receive Communion. Worship will provide us, from time to time, opportunity to profess our faith. Young people and adults, when ready, are encouraged to seek membership in the church and publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ--thereby "confirming" the promises made on their behalf at Baptism. This is called Confirmation.
Baptism is not magic. It is not a spiritual inoculation to protect your child against mysterious evils, nor is it a rite of passage into parenthood. Baptism marks the beginning of your child's life as a follower and friend of Jesus. It's strength is in your promise that your child will be brought up in the knowledge and love of God, and in God's promise to be your God and the God of your children.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 825-5292