Baptism Policy and Procedures at SPUC

What is Christian baptism?

It is a deep and rich well of meaning. Baptism is:

• A sacrament. It is more about what God does in your child’s life than about what we do, as minister, Church Council, congregation, candidate, and parent.
• A symbol of God’s loving embrace. We are participants in an act of divine hospitality welcoming your child – and you, if you are baptized as an adult – into the family of God.
• A sign of dying and rising with Jesus Christ. Baptism marks the beginning of a life-long journey of walking the spiritual path of the risen Christ until one’s baptism is completed at the end of life.
• A celebration. Welcoming a new member into the covenant relationship we have with God in Christ is a time of joy.

In the United Church of Canada, we believe: The covenant of baptism celebrates the fullness of God’s grace throughout the story of salvation – in creation and in exodus, in wilderness and in exile, in birth and in death. In his baptism, Jesus received the Holy Spirit and was declared God’s beloved. He opened himself to repentance and forgiveness, and marked a new beginning in his ministry. In our baptism we are similarly claimed, called, and commissioned… Baptism is the sole rite of initiation into full membership in the Christian Community.

What is expected of parents wishing to have their children baptized?

Because it is the parents who are the most effective teachers that children ever have, and because their own personal example is of crucial importance in their children's religious development, it is assumed that the parents themselves are, or wish to be, involved in the life of the Christian Church into which they are asking that their children be baptized.

In order that the vows and promises of Baptism may have integrity, it is an expectation of Sherwood Park United Church that at least one parent be an active member of a Christian Church or committed to becoming a member at the earliest possible date following the baptism. This requirement is in keeping with the generally accepted practice through the United Church of Canada. It is not intended to be a barrier to anyone wishing Baptism for their children. It is intended to enable the Sacrament to have meaning and effectiveness that will be of maximum benefit to the child whose spiritual welfare is the primary concern for all of us. Parents who are not members of a Christian Church are invited to talk to one of the ministers about Adult Baptism or Confirmation as part of the conversation about the Baptism of their children.

Do you have to be a baby to be baptized?

Christian baptism is for people of any age. We do not assume everyone who comes to church has been baptized. Sometimes parents are baptized at the same time as their children. That can be very meaningful for a family.

Some churches only baptize people when they are old enough to choose it for themselves. Am I robbing my child of that choice?

We come to baptism as a response to God’s love. At your child’s baptism you commit to giving them a spiritual home in which they will be encouraged to grow to make their own decision of spirituality as they mature with the love and support of their community of faith. One day they may wish to own for themselves the love of God in Christ that was symbolized in their infant baptism. That moment of taking responsibility for one’s own faith journey is celebrated in Confirmation. It is a rite of the Church in which a person affirms the meaning of the baptism they received as a child; honouring the vows their parent(s) took on their behalf to nurture them in faith to this moment of personal choice of the way of Christ. The confirmand make the first public profession of faith at confirmation. It is a wonderful experience to become a member of the Church through confirmation.

What if we were baptized in another Christian denomination?

Baptism in Christ and into the Body of Christ, which is the church, can happen in any Christian denomination. The age at which you were baptized does not matter – whether as an infant or adult. It is not necessary to be baptized again. Instead you may choose to renew your baptismal vows through the Affirmation of Baptism. People often chose to affirm their baptism as the seasons of life change, to mark an intention to renew their walk of faith, or a new beginning (e.g. When becoming a member of a congregation). You are invited to consult the minister, or member of the Worship Committee.

What kind of vows do we take?

You will be invited to make these promises:

• Profession of personal Christian faith
• Commitment to provide a Christian home, encouraging your family to grow with you in faith
• Commitment to the mission and ministry of the Church

The parents of candidates (who are not able to speak for themselves) make promises to support and nurture the candidate in his or her Christian faith. The congregation also promises its support in providing programs in Christian Education for the Christian formation of you and your child.

What if only one parent professes Christian faith?

Both parents (and step-parents) are welcome to the celebration of Baptism. Only one parent, or primary sponsor, needs to answer the questions of faith and make the vows. Those belonging to another Christian tradition or religion are welcome to the sacramental celebration as our honoured guests. An atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy is appropriate. The minister and Worship Committee Chair are available to hear particular concerns of family and Church, and are anxious to respond in the same grace that we celebrate this sacrament.

What about Godparents or sponsors?

Godparents, at one time, were representatives of the congregation. You may have special persons you wish to support you in this act of commitment. A sponsor may be a grandparent, or a friend, who is a baptized member of Sherwood Park United Church who will assist parents in the Christian Education and spiritual foundation of the child.

Are there any fees related to Christian baptism?

No.

Where and when will the service of baptism happen?

Except in cases of medical emergency, the sacrament of baptism is regularly administered at Sunday public services of worship. Baptism at Sherwood Park United Church normally takes place the third Sunday of the month with a maximum of five children baptized on any given day.

How do we request a Christian Baptism?

Contact the Church office. An information package will be sent out to you. The minister will contact you for a pastoral visit to meet you and talk about the sacrament and respond to your questions. Prior to the baptism, usually the Saturday morning the day before, you will meet with the minister and a member of the worship committee to discuss arrangements and walk through the service with you.