Baptism

The Congregation and Council of Manotick United Church extend congratulations to you and wish you and your family happiness in the years ahead. The following information may be of assistance to you and will help us to be of service to you.

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is a sacrament  -  an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given by God.  Baptism marks initiation into the Christian faith community.  It is here that the one being baptized (or their parents / sponsors) make promises and the faith community pledges support.  Baptism is the receiving of a person into the care and fellowship of Christ’s church.  It should be entered into with thoughtfulness and sincerity.In the sacrament of baptism, all who are gathered have the opportunity to experience afresh the reality of God’s grace  -  God’s love and forgiveness freely given.  The promises made in baptism are in response to God’s gracious love in Jesus Christ.  The use of water symbolizes the New Life in Christ.

Children And Baptism

From the days of the early church, the children of believing parents have been baptized and nurtured in the family of God.  This acknowledges that children too are part of the covenant relationship with God.  When these children are older, they make their own profession of faith in Christ, affirming the faith into which they are baptized. Parents may wish to have sponsors or God-parents for their child.  A God-parent is someone who, in making the baptismal vows, supports the parents in guiding and nurturing the child’s spiritual growth and life in Jesus Christ.

The Baptism

Persons wishing to arrange for a baptism should contact the church secretary to arrange a meeting with the Minister.  The Minister and an elder will then meet with families wishing a baptism to be performed in order to ensure a thorough understanding of baptism, the service and the vows that will be made.  A mutually convenient date for the ceremony will then be agreed upon.

Generally, baptisms are performed in the church in the presence, and with the support of the congregation.  If the Minister deems it necessary to perform a private baptism, then an elder shall be present to represent the congregation.
The baptism service includes the participation and support of the Minister, an elder and the congregation.  The parents (and God-parents) affirm their faith and promise to raise the child in God’s love and to encourage the child to seek confirmation.

After Baptism

Your child is now a member of the church of Jesus Christ.  When they are old enough, they will confirm for themselves the vows made by you on their behalf.  It is your responsibility, as parents, to guide your child’s growth and nurture their spiritual life so that they may grow in fellowship of the church and in the awareness of the love of God.