Baptism is a happy topic! Perhaps you’ve just made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Or there may be a new addition to your family whom you celebrate as a gift of God. Baptism is a natural response in either case. Here are answers to some questions about the sacrament. To proceed further, call the Rev. Dr. Russell Rowland at 279-0789. This information is also presented to help members and others understand the church’s policies regarding baptism.

What is baptism? Christian baptism is that ritual by which persons become part of the Universal Church . It symbolizes the death of the old self and birth of a new self in Christ. It initiates the process of growth in Christ. Baptism is a sign of God’s grace.

Baptism involves a covenant (shared promises), including God’s faithfulness, the baptized person’s commitment to live out the new life within the church (or adult responsibility for the Christian nurture of the baptized child), and the congregation’s promise of “love, support, and care.”

What baptism is not. It is not a civil or legal necessity. Unlike a wedding, it has no significance outside the church, though a Certificate of Baptism may serve as legal identification in some cases. Baptism differs from “christening,” a term connected with the naming of a child.

In the United Church of Christ, baptism is not insurance against damnation: it signifies the wonderful things God has done, not the terrible things God might do. Nor is baptism merely some “right thing to do” for a child. Its significance is made specific in the promises that are part of the ceremony.

Who may be baptized? In the United Church of Christ, persons can be baptized as infants, children, teenagers, or adults. What is required is the desire to respond to God’s saving love, shown in Jesus Christ, and acceptance of the covenantal nature of baptism—either on the part of the person, or of responsible adults.

There are no age limitations for infant or child baptisms. In practice, infants are more easily baptized than toddlers, who may strenuously object! Older children can have the meaning of baptism explained to them, and may be invited to give consent, even though adults are responsible for them.

Baptism is performed only once in a person’s lifetime. If there is doubt as to whether a person has received the sacrament, “conditional baptism” is appropriate, and may be discussed with the pastor.

Who performs the baptism? The pastor is responsible, as representative of the Universal Church . The pastor prepares persons to be in covenant, and administers the sacrament. The pastor operates within the context of theological integrity, the traditions of the UCC, the varying situations of families, and in partnership with the Celebrating Board.

The pastor may refuse the sacrament if the request appears ill-considered; when, even with counsel, it seems unlikely that the covenant will be honored, or the integrity of the sacrament cannot be guaranteed. Within limits of confidentiality, the pastor may discuss such cases with the Celebrating Board, for additional reflection.

Another minister can officiate, by invitation of the present pastor. A more usual arrangement is to have the other minister co-officiate. Clergy related to the baptized person are warmly welcomed. Discuss such wishes with the pastor.

It is customary for the Celebrating Board, or other church leaders, to participate in the ceremony. Other participants are possible at the discretion of the pastor.

Where and when does baptism take place?  The sacrament of baptism is central to the life of the church.  It is appropriate that it take place in the sanctuary during regular worship.  It is otherwise difficult for the whole congregation to be part of the covenant, and the baptized persons to know their new “family.”

Within this context, scheduling is largely at the convenience of the person or parents.  The sacrament can be celebrated at most services of worship.  Scheduling should be done at least a month in advance, except in emergency circumstances.

Flexibility as to time and place is possible, depending on the circumstances of those involved.

While baptism by immersion is neither necessary nor usual in the UCC, requests for it will be considered.

Are godparents required?  UCC practice calls them “sponsors” rather than “godparents.”  Sponsors join parents in making—and keeping—the baptismal promises.  When parents or guardians are not church members themselves, it is customary for members to sponsor the child.  Otherwise, there is no necessity.  The pastor or Celebrating Board may assist in choosing sponsors, if desired.

Sponsors are an option, not a necessity, for adults desiring baptism.

How does a typical baptism go?  It may take place  in the service while Sunday School children are in church to witness it.  The person or family will be invited to come forward and stand near the baptismal font.  The ceremony follows the Order for Baptism in the UCC Book of Worship.

Following the baptismal promises, the pastor will ask the parents for the child’s first and middle names.  The pastor then takes the infant and baptizes the top of the head using water from the font.  The pastor may then walk the infant up and down the aisle, symbolic of

the infant’s new place in the church.  The pastor returns the child, and all join in prayer.  After presentation of the Certificate of Baptism, the family return to their place in the congregation.

Older children may state their own names, and walk with the pastor down the aisle. 

Other information.

Baptism is a sacrament of the church, and no fees are necessary.  Non-members may if they wish present to the pastor a monetary “thank-you” that would ordinarily not exceed $25.  Non-members might also wish to contribute toward any heating costs for a private baptism.

Photographs and videos may, with discretion, be taken.

Baptized infants become members of our “cradle roll” until they reach Sunday School age.  This helps the church stay in touch with them and their families, as part of our covenant.

Parents concerned that infants have no choice about being baptized should know that young people take responsibility for their own covenant with the church through the process of “confirmation,” usually in grades 8 and 9.

Baptist churches “dedicate” infants rather than baptize them; the child may then grow up to choose “believer’s baptism.”  Families desiring dedication rather than baptism may discuss this with the pastor.