Baptism

In our tradition, baptism can happen at any age in a person’s life. Through baptism, a the baptized person is proclaimed as a member of the body of Christ, the Christian church.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

A gift of God’s grace and love. A welcome into the Christian church, the Body of Christ, the Christian family. A commitment to the lifelong journey of faith. A shared and mutual faith journey with children, youth, and adults, faith communities and God. A relationship with God and God’s creation. A celebration of God’s gift of love already present for everyone. A celebration of each wondrous, unique life. An invitation to discipleship. A visible sign of God’s invisible grace; a sacrament.

What does it mean for participants?

All who make the promises of baptism, such as parents and congregation, renew their commitment to God’s love and its expression in their lives. The person being baptized and all those making baptismal promises become a community, together in relationship with God, through the gift of Jesus Christ. In this community, all members are valued and contribute to the whole.

Is baptism recognized in other churches?

Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian church that practice infant baptism. Similarly, for people already baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their baptism and welcomes them as Christians. We offer the Sacrament of Baptism approximately once a month on pre-set dates. You do not need to be a member of our congregation to be baptized, or have your child baptized, at our church.

FAQ

Frequently asked Baptism questions and answers.

How can I prepare?

Baptism preparation must be understood in the context of the whole ministry of the church. Baptism is not just parents having their baby “done”. Baptism initiates persons into the People of God and marks the beginning of their faith journey. Please attend a Baptism Preparation Seminar (parents please bring your children). The Seminar is a one hour evening session designed to help prepare for baptism – the sacrament of initiation into the Christian church. These seminars are held regularly at Islington United 6:00pm in the Godly Play Room with Rev. Maya Landell, parents please bring your children.

How early should I arrive for the Baptism?

Parents and Godparents will meet in the Chapel fifteen minutes prior to the Sunday Service of Worship and be led into the sanctuary by an Elder immediately prior to the Service.

Is there a Baptism cost?

There is no cost related to Baptism. Christian Baptism is a celebration of the grace and love of God that is offered, unconditionally, to anyone seeking to live in relationship with God. When you attend your child’s Baptism you will notice that there is an offering received. The offering of our members and friends is what finances the many ministries we offer.

Offering envelopes are in the pew and you are encouraged to use an envelope in order that we can issue a tax receipt for Income Tax purposes. If you wish to have personal offering envelopes we offer them in sets of twelve (monthly) or fifty-two (weekly).

Many of our supportive households contribute using PAR, Pre-Authorized Remittance whereby your offering is automatically deducted from your bank account each month. In those cases people who contribute using PAR can use small cards in the pew when the offering is collected to indicate that their gift has already been made.

When will I receive the Certificate of Baptism?

Family and friends are welcome to sit wherever they are comfortable. If they wish to sit near the front they should arrive early enough, and request an Usher to seat them as close to the front as possible.

Where can I take my child after the Baptism?

Following the baptism, parents are encouraged to take their children to either the nursery or to Sunday School. We provide Child Care for all ages and a member of our Faith Formation team will gladly invite you.