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Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism Within the United Church
A sacrament is a holy act—a ritual of our faith. The United
Church has two sacraments: baptism and communion. These
are of central importance to our faith.
Baptism is a symbolic action that signifies the new life God
gives us as we join the church community. Baptism uses
water as a symbolic cleansing that signifies the acceptance of
new life within the church family. The sacrament of baptism is
the single rite of initiation into the Christian community, the
church.
The United Church offers baptism to all ages. We believe the
gift of God’s love doesn’t depend on our ability to understand
it, so we baptize people as infants right up through adulthood.
Baptism is not a requirement for God’s love. We believe
people who die without baptism are in no way condemned,
lost, or damned.
Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all
denominations of the Christian church that practise infant
baptism. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in
another church, the United Church recognizes their baptism
and welcomes them as Christians.
Baptism at Fairlawn
At Fairlawn we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism at several
specially designated services throughout the year, during our
Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.
During the service the parents or adult candidates for baptism
and the entire congregation make a profession of faith. The
Fairlawn congregation also expresses its commitment to
support you and your family in your Christian journey.
Preparation for Baptism.
Arrangements for Baptism include contacting and meeting with
our minister to discuss your intent and for instruction.
With children, instruction is given to parents or sponsors to equip
them for the child’s Christian nurture. A Baptismal Record
Information Sheet will be completed.
Once preparations are complete, a rehearsal will be
scheduled at a mutually convenient time, one or two weeks
prior to Baptism Sunday.
Baptism Sunday
The Sunday morning of the service, participants are asked to
arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. and seat themselves in the
reserved pews at the front of the Sanctuary. Reserved
seating is for participants in the actual service only (parents,
siblings, and godparents, if any). Please suggest to your
friends and other family members they arrive early to secure
optimal seating in the non-reserved pews.
Immediately following the baptismal portion of the service, our
Sunday School children leave for their classes. Your older
children and those of your guests are most welcome to join
them. There is also a supervised Toddler Room for young
children who are able to walk.
Photographs
You and your guests are invited to take posed photographs in
the Sanctuary immediately following the ceremony as a
remembrance of this special occasion for your family. Please
do not take photographs during the worship service itself.
For your guests
Our sound-proof Chapel in the south west corner of the
Sanctuary is a “self-serve” infant nursery. This can be used by
you or your guests should it be necessary to comfort or settle a
fussy child during the service. Sound is piped into this room
and a large glass door enables worshippers to watch the
service.
However, should you need to change your baby,
please use the change facilities in the washrooms.
Our “full-serve” Nursery provides care for infants and
toddlers up to 24 months while their parents participate in
Worship. The Nursery room, located on the lower level, is
staffed by a regular carer, assisted by two adult volunteers
each week. The Nursery is equipped with rocking chairs,
crib, change table, baby swing and many toys to entertain the
wee ones.
Coffee Hour
Finally, please have your family and friends join our
congregation in the Assembly Hall following the service for a
time of refreshment and community.
For in the one Spirit
we were all baptized into one body ...
I Corinthians 12:13
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