The sacrament of baptism is the sole right of initiation into the Christian community, the church. It is an act of welcoming, blessing and belonging. It is God’s “yes” to us and our “yes” to God. It says that God’s love surrounds us from the moment we’re born and continues through the rest of our lives. Our church considers it a privilege to be able to do this initiation for infants, children, teens and adults.
At Grace, baptism takes place during a regular 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning worship service. It is celebrated in our worshipping community because the congregation vows and commits to support the baptized person’s spiritual growth. The role of godparents in the United Church of Canada has traditionally been filled by the whole congregation. Some parents or candidates also choose to call upon the support of special family members and friends to be sponsors or godparents.
When children are baptized, their parents or godparents make promises to raise them in the Christian faith. Adults seeking baptism make the promises for themselves. It is our hope that the newly baptized person and their families will endeavour to live the expressions of Christian life made during baptism.
Our rite of baptism includes the welcoming of baptism candidates, professions of faith, baptismal vows, congregational commitments, a blessing for the baptized person and, of course, symbolic cleansing with water in the name of God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ.
The baptized person is welcomed into our church by our minister, by a representative of the congregation and the congregation as whole. Baptized persons and their families are invited to take part in the life of the church, where they are always welcome.
Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian faith. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in another church, we recognize their baptism and welcome them as members of the Christian community.
Persons baptized at Grace will receive a baptism certificate and the baptism will be recorded in our church registry.
At our church, baptism is open to all people committed to the life of faith regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender or cultural background. For more information and to discuss the prospect of baptism at Grace, please contact our minister or church office.
