Baptism
In
accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among
evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two
sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
- From the
Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
Repent and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ... - Acts
2:38
For
in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As
many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have clothed yourself
with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave
or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in
Christ Jesus.
- Galations 3:26-28
What
does Baptism signify?
The sacrament
of baptism is an
outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism
a
person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ.
In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the
renewal
of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God's people always.
How
does Baptism take place?
Baptism with
water and the Holy
Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since
baptism is God's gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water
and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the
beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response
to that gift.
Why
is water used?
Water is an
essential element of
baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in
the
Bible - the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of
Israel through the sea, the water of Mary's womb, the baptism of Jesus
in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus' washing of the
feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present
in
the service. In the United Church of Christ, the mode of
baptism
is a matter of choice. Some traditions use sprinkling, some
pouring, and some inmmersion.
Who
is baptized in the UCC?
Infants,
children, youth and
adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and
adults
who have never been baptized before, baptism marks their acceptance
into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of God's grace and
forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life.
Is
re-baptism necessary?
The United
Church of Christ
recognizes the validity of all baptisms, therefore there is no need for
re-baptism. If there is a question about whether baptism has
taken place, a conditional phrase may be added as a person is baptized,
such as "if you are not already baptized." It is a
well-accepted
practice, however, for people to renew their baptismal vows in a
service of baptismal renewal, such as the Order for Renewal of Baptism
in the UCC Book of Worship.
Is
there a special time for Baptism?
Baptism is a
personal
celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their
families. It is also a celebration within the local church
family
and recognition of its commitment. For this reason, baptism
is
celebrated in the presence of the community gathered for worship.
If circumstances require baptism to take place outside of
corporate worship, members of the local church, if possible, may
participate in the ceremony with the pastor. In urgent
circumstances, such as imminent death, any Christian may perform the
baptism.
When
should a person be baptized?
Baptism may
take place at any
worship service where the community is gathered. In the early
Christian church, the season of Lent was used as the final period for
the preparation of candidates. In the scriptures that are
read
during the seasons from Advent up to Easter, there are many texts that
teach the faith and point toward baptism. In the early
church,
the candidates were baptized together at the Vigil of Easter (the
pre-dawn Easter service). Some local churches still perform
baptisms at this service, or on Pentecost Sunday, and also baptize
thorughout the year.
Are
sponors present?
Parents, in
consultation with
the pastor, may choose sponsors or Godparents for infants and young
children who are to be baptized. Other candidates for baptism
may
also be given this opportunity to have sponsors. At the time
of
the baptismal service, the sponsors, who accompany the candidates and
present them for baptism, may make promises identical to the promises
of the parents concerning their role.
What
words are used?
The Book of
Worship of the
United Church of Christ provides an Order for Baptism and orders for
Affirmation of Baptism. The recognition of our baptism by the
ecumenical church is important to us, and the Book of Worship
encourages the use of language recognized in most Christian churches:
"I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the
Holy
Spirit." Femine images for God may surround these words to enrich
understandings and offer balance.