The Sacrament of Baptism

Will you baptize my baby?

We would love to baptize your baby. No one seriously seeking this holy sacrament of Jesus Christ is turned away. The decision to baptize someone is made by the Unified Board of the church. The Unified Board is open and willing to baptize any child whose parent(s) have been adequately prepared for the solemn vows they are about to undertake. At least one parent must be baptized and take the vows. While baptism is given without conditions, it does require commitment. For a variety of reasons, some families are unable to make this commitment at this point in their lives. In such cases, an infant dedication service might be more appropriate.

How important is Baptism?

Baptism is a holy sacrament prescribed by our Lord Jesus Christ. We have only one other sacrament in the United Church, the sacrament of Holy Communion. A sacrament has been defined as "an outward and physical sign of an inward and spiritual grace." This means that baptism is a sign of God's love present and at work in the child being baptized and in the congregation. Because baptism is a sacrament, it is to be treated with great respect, and it is never to be entered into lightly. This serious commitment requires parents of babies and children to make a series of solemn promises. The vows of Baptism are the same as the vows for church membership (in other words, once you have your child baptized, you will become a member of the church which brings with it certain responsibilities of discipleship). In order to take these vows, you must understand what Christian discipleship means.

When your child is baptized, the congregation will also stand and make a solemn promise to help nurture your child in the faith, and support you in raising your child. So we need to get to know you! We do not expect our congregation to make this serious promise about a child they do not know.

What does Baptism mean in the United Church of Canada?

In the United Church, as in many other Christian denominations, baptism is primarily an act of initiation. Through baptism Christians are made part of the universal Christian Church, and, specifically, the United Church of Canada and Langley congregation. In the United Church we believe that God's love is not in any way dependent upon our ability to understand it, and so we practice infant baptism as well as adult baptism. Because little children cannot themselves make the decision to be baptized, their parents or guardians and the church act on their behalf. In baptism, children officially become Christians. Our hope is that they will grow in the faith and that when they are old enough to decide for themselves they will choose to be confirmed. Confirmation is an act through which people make public profession of their faith and are accepted as full members of the United Church of Canada.

I don't have strong feelings about baptism but my parents do and I want to make them happy. Can't my baby be baptized so our family traditions are honoured?

While family traditions are usually something we support, the only way a tradition of baptism will continue to have any meaning is by parents making intentional commitments to a spiritual life within a faith community. If you are unable to make this kind of commitment, then the infant dedication service is an excellent choice. Please note that a dedication service still allows you to have your child baptized at some future date.

If I don't get my child baptized, will God still love my child? And what will happen to my baby's soul?

Because baptism has become very common in our culture, and because different denominations have different understandings of what baptism is, it is important for us to state that in the United Church tradition we believe that God loves every child whether or not that child has been baptized, and that God's love is active in every child from the beginning. We believe the Spirit is with us at every stage of the human journey, whether we recognize it or not. As the United Church Creed states: "In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God!" This means that according to United Church beliefs, people who die without having been baptized will not be condemned, lost or damned because they have not been baptized. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, nor a magic charm that protects us from evil. Please give this point careful consideration when you are making your decision about your child's baptism.

What is the difference then between a baptism and an infant dedication service?

While both services can occur as part of a regular worship service at Langley United, the main difference is that a baptism requires both the parents and the congregation to make a vow.

The parents' vow: "We receive our children from the hand of a loving Creator. With humility and hope we accept our obligation and declare our intention to love and nurture them and to lead them to Christian faith by our teaching and example. We ask for the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of the church that we may be good stewards of this gift of life."

The congregation's baptismal vow: "As a baptized and baptizing church, it is with joy we commit ourselves to care and nurture this child. We encourage you to participate in a community of faith which will support you and your child in the years to come. We seek God's grace to be a community where the Gospel is truly proclaimed and made visible to all. We will support you and minister with you, seeking to care for all God's children as we grow together in faith."

As you can see, baptism has a profound meaning because it reflects the intention of the parents to be active in the life of a congregation, and in their own Christian development.

An infant dedication service gives thanks for the creation of a child and names the child. Through prayer and special readings, the family and friends of the infant are encouraged to support the child and help create a world of justice, peace and hope for all of God's children. The following prayer of dedication is said by everyone present: (child's name): "You are a child of God. We give thanks for your birth, your life and all that you may become. May you ever be mindful of the needs of others and may your life be a quest for beauty, truth and love. Amen." The dedication service does not require any vows from the congregation or parents to one another and as such, this service can be performed by the minister in locations other than the church. It can also be personalized to a greater extent than the more formal baptism service.

What kind of preparation is necessary for baptism or the infant dedication service? Are there any fees charged for this service?

If a baptism is the option you prefer and you are a newcomer to the church (not normally in regular attendance) you are required to be adequately prepared, which normally involves:

1. an appointment with the Minister
2. regular attendance at Sunday Worship for at least 3 months.
3. participation in preparation sessions.

There are no fees for Baptism.

If an infant dedication service is what you desire at this time, please contact the Church Office. You will be asked to meet with the minister in order to have any questions answered and to create a service that is a reflection of the mystery and joy the birth of a child generates in a family's life. There are no fees for an infant dedication service.

When may I have my child baptized?

The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated twice a year at Langley United. The Sundays are usually Reign of Christ (late November) and at Easter.

If you would like more information, please contact the Church Office for further details. We would be happy to provide you with further information, including the baptismal vows.