Baptisms
The congregations of Bridging Waters Pastoral Charge are pleased that you are considering baptism.
As one of two sacraments celebrated by the United Church of Canada, baptism is a very significant event in the nurturing of spiritual life. It is an equally important event for parents and congregations, requiring commitment and devotion. Baptism, like marriage, should not be entered into without thought. If your faith and the church play a vital role in your life, and in the life of your family, they will be important to your children. Christian training and spiritual nurturing is an exciting journey.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the celebration by Christians of their belief in the love of God for the people God created. It is an occasion of joy in our church, for it is the story of the beautiful gift of love that God has bestowed upon us.
Baptism marks the formal beginning of the Christian faith journey. When children or adults are baptized they are formally acknowledged as members of God's family, members of the body of Christ and members of this congregation. Baptism involves the whole church community. During baptism of a child, promises are made by the parents, guardians or adults to raise the child in a Christian home. Adults being baptized profess faith in the triune God (God as Creator, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit); commitment to seek justice and resist evil; commitment to follow the way of Jesus Christ and commitment to the mission and ministry of the Church . (Paraphrased from The United Church's Worship Guide “ Celebrate God's Presence ,” p. 322)
The congregation also promises to support and encourage the child or adult in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord. It is therefore, our understanding that the newly baptized will attend worship and Christian education classes to enable the congregation to keep these promises.
A Request for Baptism
Under the rules of the United Church of Canada, the Board of Bridging Waters Pastoral Charge (acting on behalf of the congregations) is responsible to oversee the Sacrament of Baptism. The Board's responsibility is to see that parents or individuals understand the meaning of baptism. This is accomplished through the ministers, representing the Board, meeting with the parents or persons requesting baptism. The request would be presented to the local church board for final approval for baptism.
Godparents/Sponsors
Godparents are not normally part of the United Church tradition. The responsibility of saying special vows with respect to supporting the child and nurturing him/her in faith, is taken on by the congregation. However, parents coming from other church traditions may wish to have godparents for their children. These arrangements can be made. The meaning given to this will be spelled out between the parents and the godparents. They are welcome to stand with the parents during the baptism.
The congregations of Bridging Waters Pastoral Charge are eager to share with you the joy of baptism. God's love is for all and will bring meaning and fulfillment.