If you are interested in baptism for your child or yourself (or transferring your Membership), please contact the church office at 780-430-7275. A preparation session for parents and those transferring their membership will be held prior to the service.
The sacrament of Baptism is a joyous occasion in the life of a Christian Community of Faith. It celebrates both God’s grace-filled initiative to love us, and our response to that amazing grace. Baptism is about belonging. When we are baptized we become members of the church family, the body of Christ. Baptism is therefore an act of blessing, welcoming and belonging, as well as naming and claiming.
In the United Church of Canada, there is both ADULT BAPTISM and INFANT BAPTISM.
Children and Baptism
From the days of the early church, the children of believing parents have been baptized and nurtured in the family of God. This acknowledges that children too are part of the covenant relationship with God. When these children are older they make their own profession of faith in Christ, affirming the faith into which they were baptized.
- Infants and children are welcomed into the Community of Faith using the water of Baptism (the format used is a light sprinkling on the head).
- One of the parents or guardians is expected to have already been baptized prior to having an infant/child baptized.
- The family is expected to indicate the ways in which they are interested in making our church congregation the base for their faith-journey.
- Preparation visits with Ministry Staff will be scheduled prior to Baptism.
- The sacrament of Baptism is part of a Sunday Service of Public Worship; private Baptisms are arranged only in extenuating circumstances, for example, within hospitals.
- Dates for baptism are planned by the Staff and Worship Committee; they are held five or six times a year, and announced well in advance.
- Families are welcome to include the involvement of “godparents / sponsors” in the service, although there is no specific requirement for them within United Church custom.
Adult Baptism
The act of Adult Baptism not only includes the use of water, but also the declaration of “vows of confirmation” signifying the personal decision to commit to the ministry and mission of the Christian Community.
Contact the church office for more information, to check on dates or to talk with one of the Ministers.
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