The Sacrament of Baptism
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Schedule a Baptism
To request a baptism, please complete a baptism form. |
Baptism is the sacrament by which Christians are born. St. Paul teaches us: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:3-5)
Baptism is a gift of grace, an indelible and irrevocable gift given once and for all time. As a gift of pure grace, baptism is for children and adults alike. Through baptism people become members of the whole Church and of this congregation. As such, baptism is the beginning of active involvement in the life of God's people. |
Baptism FAQ
Do I need to be an active member to have my child baptized?
In "The Use of the Means of Grace" the ELCA teaches that "baptism is offered to people of all ages," including "young or infant children of active members of the congregation or those children for whom members of the congregation assume sponsorship." Because your child will become a member of the congregation through baptism and because you will be making promises to raise your child in the faith, including active participation in a congregation, the answer is yes. If you are an active member of a congregation that is out of town and desire to have your child baptized here so family may be present, we will be open to discussing baptizing your child on behalf of your home congregation.
In "The Use of the Means of Grace" the ELCA teaches that "baptism is offered to people of all ages," including "young or infant children of active members of the congregation or those children for whom members of the congregation assume sponsorship." Because your child will become a member of the congregation through baptism and because you will be making promises to raise your child in the faith, including active participation in a congregation, the answer is yes. If you are an active member of a congregation that is out of town and desire to have your child baptized here so family may be present, we will be open to discussing baptizing your child on behalf of your home congregation.
If my child is not baptized and dies, will my child go to hell?
No. Baptism is a gift of God for our sake, not something God requires to keep the heavenly records straight. Baptism assures the baptized person that they are loved and accepted by God without need to doubt. Baptism should not be done "just in case" but because you wish to raise your child in the church.
No. Baptism is a gift of God for our sake, not something God requires to keep the heavenly records straight. Baptism assures the baptized person that they are loved and accepted by God without need to doubt. Baptism should not be done "just in case" but because you wish to raise your child in the church.
Can you ever be too old to be baptized?
No. Children and adults of all ages are welcomed into the church, given the assurance of God's grace, and commit to a life of following Jesus. According to the "Use of the Means of Grace" (The ELCA's teaching on worship) "God, whose grace is for all, is the one who acts in Baptism. Therefore candidates for Baptism are of all ages. Some are adults and older children who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declare their faith, and desire Holy Baptism . Others are the young or infant children of active members of the congregation or those children for whom members of the congregation assume sponsorship."
No. Children and adults of all ages are welcomed into the church, given the assurance of God's grace, and commit to a life of following Jesus. According to the "Use of the Means of Grace" (The ELCA's teaching on worship) "God, whose grace is for all, is the one who acts in Baptism. Therefore candidates for Baptism are of all ages. Some are adults and older children who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declare their faith, and desire Holy Baptism . Others are the young or infant children of active members of the congregation or those children for whom members of the congregation assume sponsorship."
What do I have to do to seek baptism for my child or myself?
Simply, make this congregation your home and contact us for a conversation about the promises of baptism. Please fill out the form on the button above. One of the pastors will contact you. As we teach, baptism is preceded by catechesis (a church word for teaching about the faith).
Simply, make this congregation your home and contact us for a conversation about the promises of baptism. Please fill out the form on the button above. One of the pastors will contact you. As we teach, baptism is preceded by catechesis (a church word for teaching about the faith).
Can I be baptized privately, not in a worship service?
The ELCA teaches that "Baptism takes place in the Assembly." This reflects the most ancient traditions of the Church. According to "The Use of the Means of Grace" (ELCA teaching on worship) "Candidates for Holy Baptism, sponsors, and an ordained minister called by the Church gather together with the congregation for the celebration of Baptism within the corporate worship of the Church." So, generally speaking, the answer is no. Baptism is a public event where you are welcomed into a community of the Body of Christ. Only in pastoral emergencies is private baptism considered.
The ELCA teaches that "Baptism takes place in the Assembly." This reflects the most ancient traditions of the Church. According to "The Use of the Means of Grace" (ELCA teaching on worship) "Candidates for Holy Baptism, sponsors, and an ordained minister called by the Church gather together with the congregation for the celebration of Baptism within the corporate worship of the Church." So, generally speaking, the answer is no. Baptism is a public event where you are welcomed into a community of the Body of Christ. Only in pastoral emergencies is private baptism considered.
When are baptisms celebrated?
In order to retain the special character of baptism and to allow for sufficient planning of our whole worship life, we set baptismal celebrations for certain times through the year. The ELCA document "The Use of the Means of Grace" teaches "It is appropriate to designate such occasions as the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day, and the Baptism of Our Lord for the celebration of Holy Baptism. Baptismal celebrations on these occasions keep Baptism integrated into the unfolding of the story of salvation provided by the church year." In addition to these days we offer several other days of the church year where baptism is the focus of the day. See the calendar on the site for the dates for this year.
In order to retain the special character of baptism and to allow for sufficient planning of our whole worship life, we set baptismal celebrations for certain times through the year. The ELCA document "The Use of the Means of Grace" teaches "It is appropriate to designate such occasions as the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day, and the Baptism of Our Lord for the celebration of Holy Baptism. Baptismal celebrations on these occasions keep Baptism integrated into the unfolding of the story of salvation provided by the church year." In addition to these days we offer several other days of the church year where baptism is the focus of the day. See the calendar on the site for the dates for this year.
When should I have my child baptized?
There is no set time to have a child baptized after birth. Traditions that suggest that it must be done in three months or as soon as possible to avoid the risk of damnation are not traditions consistent with the teaching of the Church. The Church teaches that "Baptism is for all ages." Anytime from birth to the moments before death are appropriate to receive the gift of Baptism as a sign of God's grace and love.
There is no set time to have a child baptized after birth. Traditions that suggest that it must be done in three months or as soon as possible to avoid the risk of damnation are not traditions consistent with the teaching of the Church. The Church teaches that "Baptism is for all ages." Anytime from birth to the moments before death are appropriate to receive the gift of Baptism as a sign of God's grace and love.
Can a child be brought for baptism by someone other than parents?
Yes, but only with the informed consent of the parents. Whoever stands with the child in baptism will make promises to raise the child in the faith of the Church. So, grandparents, guardians, or other adults may accept responsibility for the child's spiritual life. In these cases, the child will be seen as a member of the congregation through the sponsoring household.
Yes, but only with the informed consent of the parents. Whoever stands with the child in baptism will make promises to raise the child in the faith of the Church. So, grandparents, guardians, or other adults may accept responsibility for the child's spiritual life. In these cases, the child will be seen as a member of the congregation through the sponsoring household.
What about "re-baptism?"
We teach that, "A person is baptized once. Because of the unfailing nature of God's promise, and because of God's once-for-all action in Christ, Baptism is not repeated." Baptism is about God's gift to us in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not about making your own decision to follow Jesus, or about something you do at all. Re-baptism turns a gift into a work and diminishes, even negates the sacrament as a "means of grace." For people who just don't know if they have been baptized, we may err on the side of grace and baptize, assuming it has not taken place.
We teach that, "A person is baptized once. Because of the unfailing nature of God's promise, and because of God's once-for-all action in Christ, Baptism is not repeated." Baptism is about God's gift to us in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not about making your own decision to follow Jesus, or about something you do at all. Re-baptism turns a gift into a work and diminishes, even negates the sacrament as a "means of grace." For people who just don't know if they have been baptized, we may err on the side of grace and baptize, assuming it has not taken place.
