THE CALL TO BAPTISM

Pastor: Baptism is a sacrament of life and death. It is a sacrament because it is an act in which God’s power is especially present as Jesus offered himself to humanity.[Child’s first and middle name] was loved by God from the moment of [her/his] birth. But baptism also marks [Child’s First Name] as a Christian disciple and initiates [her/him] into the family of Jesus Christ here and throughout the world.

Baptism is also about life and death. Water, for our desert ancestors could mean drowning but it could also mean being revived, cleansed, refreshed - brought to life. Baptism says we must die to any life in which we own or are controlled by another person -- child, parent, husband, wife, partner, friend. We must die to a life of fear for our lives, our status, our position. When we die to that life, Christ will resurrect us to living a life through and beyond every obstacle.

We want that kind of death and life for [Child’s First Name]. We as a Church do; you as [her/his] family does). That is why today we make a covenant, a promise. We promise each other, we promise [Child’s First Name].  But those human promises will fade.  Thus, we promise God that we will keep each other and particularly this day [child’s first name] in your care, we will help each other, and we will support each other through every dying and rising. Ready to make that promise we now ask you, [Parents’ names], as [his/her] parents, to hear the Baptismal Charge.  I invite you to come forward to the baptismal font.

THE CHARGE

Pastor: The baptizing of infants has special significance in the Church. In celebrating the sacrament with those who are so small and unknowing, we are reminded that God’s love comes to us without our knowing it, before we are aware of it, and sometimes over our indifference or resistance. God accepts us in the same way we accept this child - simply because we are human beings, not because of anything we have accomplished or achieved.

THE VOWS

Pastor: [Parents’ names], as you present your child for Holy Baptism, do you affirm your faith in Jesus of Nazareth as Sovereign and Savior?

We do.

Pastor: As persons of faith who believe that the fullness of life is found in the freedom offered by the Christ, are you prepared to accept the responsibilities and privileges of being parents who follow Jesus Christ? Will you yourselves be free and alive? Will you love and serve others? Will you help your child in understanding the Christian faith and teach [her/him] the Holy Scriptures in order that [she/he] might come to know and worship God?

We will with the help of God.

If there are Sponsors or Godparents

Pastor: [Sponsors’/Godparents' names], as sponsors/Godparents, do you agree to offer [Child’s First Name] care and love and to act as a special representative of the Church universal in extending its concern and support?

We do.

THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

Eternal God, your mighty acts of salvation
have been made known through water—
from the moving of your Spirit upon the waters of creation,
to the deliverance of your people
through the flood and through the Red Sea.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus,
nurtured in the water of the womb,
baptized by John, and anointed by your Spirit.
He called his disciples
to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection.
Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and he and who receives it,
and clothe him in righteousness
throughout his life.

THE BAPTIZING

The child is lowered by the parent holding him or her so the pastor can place the water on the child’s forehead.
Liturgist: What name have you given your child?

(Response of first and middle names)

Liturgist: We baptize you in the name of God the Father, our Holy Parent. We baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. And we baptize you in the name of the Holy Spirit, our Sustainer.

THE PRAYER OF HOPE

Liturgist: O God, it is our prayer that [Child’s First Name] will come to know the joy and suffering of being concerned about everyone he meets; that [she/he] will see each person worthy of dignity and acceptance. We hope for [her/him] a growth into fuller and deeper levels of humanity as expressed through Jesus.

We pray that [Child’s First Name] will live in a world where justice is increased and where violence is decreased as a way to settle differences.

Our hope is that [Child’s First Name] will understand that You alone can give life meaning and purpose and direction, O God; and that [she/he] will be on [her/his] knees before You with words of thanksgiving; and on [her/his] feet for You with deeds of love. This is our prayer. Amen.

Liturgist: Sisters and brothers, we commend [Child’s First Name] to your love and care, whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that [she/he] may grow in the knowledge and love of God, through Jesus Christ?

Response of the congregation: We who are in covenant in this church receive your life for care and nurture. To you and your family we promise our support and prayers for your lives and ministry. In the name of Jesus Christ we affirm our responsibility and welcome you to this family of faith. Amen.

(the pastor will take the child and move about through the sanctuary and then return to the front to hand the child back to the parents and present them the baptismal certificate)