Our Baptism
Opening the door to new life in Christ Jesus!
Through Baptism, God our Creator adopts us as new children into the family of Christ. Baptism marks the beginning of our lives as Christians, named and claimed by God, living in the light of the resurrection of Christ.
. . . don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:3-4
Celebrating Baptism at Christ Church
When we baptize, we gather at our baptismal font, by the entrance to our sanctuary. Often we're baptizing a baby. Sometimes we might be baptizing a child, or a younger or older adult. Pastor pours water over your forehead - the waters of creation, flowing over you. We gently mark your forehead with oil - anointing you just as our ancestors have anointed each other for centuries, and endowing you with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will be your companion for the rest of your life, filling you and guiding you from day to day.
We trace the sign of the Cross on your forehead, making you with God's ownership - you are a new child of God! We light a baptismal candle, to symbolize the light of Jesus Christ that has entered your life. We encourage you to relight your baptismal candle to celebrate the anniversary of your Baptism.
Remember Your Baptism!
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14
We believe in 2 birthdays - our physical birth, and our baptism, when we were reborn as children of God. We rejoice with you, or with parents of a baptized infant, as we share the joy we feel at the promise of new life sanctified and blessed.
At Christ Church, throughout the year, we celebrate everyone's baptism. As new members join our family, they are sometimes surprised to be asked about their baptisms. The unique and once-and-for-all nature of God’s promise to love and forgive you is our greatest joy. Our pastor has written about this special, joyful tradition we share here at Christ Church:
Baptism isn't a one-time act - it paves the way for us to thrive, and we can rejoice each and every day of our lives! Thanks be to God!
