Scheduling a Baptism

Ordinarily baptisms are scheduled for the second Sunday in each month.  To arrange a date for a baptism, please e-mail the Westminster secretary, Suzie Hurlock or call 302.654.5214, ext. 127.

What is baptism all about?

In baptism, the church celebrates the renewal of the covenant with which God is connected to God’s people.  By baptism, an individual is publicly received into the church to share in its life and ministry, and the church becomes responsible for their training and support in Christian discipleship.  When those baptized are infants, the congregation, as well as the parents, has a special obligation to nurture them in the Christian life, leading them to make, by a public profession, a personal response to the love of God shown forth in their baptism. [1]

In baptism, parents make promises about how they will raise their children.

In baptism, the congregation makes promises to help nurture this person in the faith.

Baptism is the sign and seal of God’s grace and covenant in Christ. [2]   Baptism is the sign and symbol of inclusion in God’s grace and covenant with the Church.  As an identifying mark, Baptism signifies:

            The faithfulness of God

            The washing away of sin

            Rebirth

            Putting on the fresh garment of Christ,

            Being sealed by God’s Spirit

            Adoption into the covenant family of the Church

            Resurrection and illumination in Christ [3]

At what age should people be baptized?

Children of believers can be baptized, and there is no set age.    There is no one age that is appropriate; the guidelines Presbyterians follow uses a great phrase – baptism should happen “without undue delay, but without undue haste.” [4]

The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. [5]

Adults are baptized when they make a profession of faith, and this is how they are received into church membership.  Adult baptism witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for fulfillment in a response of faithfulness. [6]   In addition to attending a new members class, adult candidates for baptism will meet with a pastor for addition personal preparation.

Shouldn’t I be rebaptized since I haven’t been part of a church for a long time?

No.  In the Presbyterian tradition, baptism is received only once.  We recognize baptisms that happened in other denominations and churches.  And for those who feel they have been less than faithful to God since their baptism, they should know that God’s faithfulness signified in baptism is constant and sure, even when human faithfulness to God is not. [7]   Baptized adults who join Westminster Church but have not been active in a church recently will have the opportunity to reaffirm their faith, and signal their dedication to live as a disciple of Christ.

Can’t we have a private baptism?  Do we need to do this during worship?

We believe that baptism is not a private act, but an act of response to the word of God proclaimed publicly.  That is why baptism follows the sermon in a public service of worship.

What about Godparents?

In the Presbyterian Church, the congregation as a whole assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized person in the Christian life.  The session may designate certain members of the congregation to serve as sponsors -- representatives of the church charged with special responsibility for nurture. [8]

What about visiting relatives and friends?

All are welcome to worship at Westminster at any time, but especially to participate in a baptism.  Pews may be reserved in the front of the sanctuary for family members at the time the baptism is scheduled.  Children are especially welcome, and invited to participate in all aspects of church life.  Many parents choose to have their children attend the Under 6 education program, and arrangements can be made with the teachers to make sure they are in the sanctuary to participate in the service of baptism at the appropriate time.

What if my baby is crying or my child is being disruptive?

Parents are welcome to take a baby or child out of the sanctuary to help all parties feel more comfortable.  It is ok to get up, even during a sermon, and take care of any needs or simply provide a more comfortable environment for a nervous baby and then reenter later.