Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the body of Christ, the Church, which joins the new member with Christians everywhere. It is the beginning of a life long process of growth in Christ. It is ordained by Christ and can be received only once, but its effects are lasting. The United Methodist Church recognizes any Christian baptism.

Parents who make the decision to have their child baptized are acting as agents of God's love. They promise to teach their child by example to accept God's grace, live their faith, and lead a Christian life. At the time of baptism a covenant is established with the child's family who promise to join with God in raising the child in a Christ like way by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
- Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Parents as Faith Givers

At baptism, parents or sponsors make commitments to God's name and establish the child in faith. Parents have a primary responsibility for passing on faith to their children by teaching them to live a life true to the gospel, to accept the guidance of the church, and to worship God and learn from the scriptures. They should study and reflect on the sacrament, its meaning and responsibilities, pray for spiritual guidance, and choose sponsors able to fulfill their spiritual responsibilities to the child.

Children in the Faith Community

The congregation of the local Methodist church pledges with God's help to establish the child in faith and surround them with love. It is the responsibility of the church to nurture and protect its members. Each baptized child is marked with the water of new life in Christ and adopted as a member of the Christian family.

The Christian community welcomes and agrees to sustain and guide the new member in faith. A baptized infant becomes a "prepatory member" of the church - one who has not yet made a personal profession of faith and who is guided by parents and sponsors.

Requesting a Baptism Service