What is baptism?
In baptism, you as parents are thanking God for the gift of your child, deciding to start your child on the journey of faith and asking for the Church's support.
For your child, baptism: marks the start of a journey of faith, which involves becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.
Baptism is a 'sacrament': a visible expression of God's love. In baptism, we are thanking God for this gift of life and publicly acknowledging God's love.
Making decisions and promises
When you bring your child for baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly on behalf of your child that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus.
The congregation will also make a promise to you and your child that they will do all they can to live a life that models the grace and love of Jesus Christ. In our church we believe that raising a child spiritually does take an entire community of support.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'm not a regular churchgoer. Can I still have my child baptized?
Yes. The Church believes that God's love is available to all, regardless of their background. Call the church office to set up an appointment with the pastor to discuss your child's baptism. You may wish to find out more about the Christian faith and what joining the Church involves before you make a decision about baptism. Again, these things will be covered when you meet with the pastor.
The church does have the following requirements for those seeking to have their child baptized.
1. Attend three baptismal sessions that will be scheduled on Sunday mornings prior to the worship service.
2. Stay for worship on those three mornings.
Without doubt we hope you will find in our church the kind of environment you would want to raise your child, and that you would stay to continue your faith journey with us.
What does it cost?
A baptism service during worship is free.
What's the difference between a baptism and a christening?
None, they are just different words for the same thing.
Can we have a private service of baptism?
Baptisms usually take place in the church's main service, because they are a public declaration that your child has become part of the church family. It is important that the church congregation is there to support you and welcome your child. However, if personal circumstances make this difficult, talk with the pastor.
What is the right age for baptism? Baptism can happen at any age. What matters is that those concerned believe it is right to ask for baptism.
Teenagers and adults may also be baptized. This is celebrated with confirmation by the Bishop. You can only be baptized once, but there are ways of renewing your commitment publicly as an adult - your pastor will be able to advise.
How often is baptism offered? Church of the Savior offers baptism every month on the third Sunday.
Are we required to have God Parents for our child? God parents are not required; however, if you want to include God Parents in the service you certainly may do so. We do ask that God Parents also attend the baptism classes in preparation for their role with your child. If the God Parent(s) live out of town then let the pastor know.
I was baptized as a baby, can I be rebaptized as an adult? God already covered you in the waters of baptism when you were an infant. We don't beliieve in rebaptism but we certainly believe in the reaffirmation of our baptismal vows. These services are often held annually at the church.
