What is Baptism?   

As one of the two sacraments acknowledged and celebrated by the United Church (the other being Holy Communion), baptism is the sacrament by which we are received into the Church. It is a visible sign of God's grace. When adults join the church they are asked to make a public profession of faith, accepting the basic beliefs of the church, and are then baptized and received.

When children are baptized, parents make a commitment on their behalf.  Inherent in infant or child baptism is the expectation that the children will confirm their faith (and membership) when they are old enough to decide for themselves

Baptism Policy:

The Mount Forest United Church agrees with the baptism policy outlined in the United Church of Canada Manual.  It stipulates that at least one parent of the child be a member of good standing in the church.  "In good standing" means regular attendance, communion, fellowship in the church, and financial support of the church.  The parents should have a sincere interest in the church and be committed to raising their child in the Christian faith by bringing them to worship, giving them opportunity to learn through Sunday School, and being an active part of the community of faith. In a busy world, it is difficult to keep centered in the church. The Mount Forest United Church honours the parents' intention to be part of the church family by integrating them into the active life of the church.

Baptism Procedure:

In response to a request for baptism, the church secretary notes the full names and address of the parents and child; she asks which parent is a confirmed member; gives the baptism dates and parent preparation dates; and sends them a copy of our baptism policy.

After they have reviewed the baptism policy and decide to proceed, they will notify the office.  The minister will then contact them.

The minister informs the Membership and Fellowship Committee, who in turn notify the

Church Council of the intended baptisms. Names of the baby and parents are recorded in the Church Council Minutes.

The parents are invited to attend a Parents Preparation Night with the minister prior to the baptism.

The Sacrament of Baptism is an act of worship, and will take place during the regular worship service.

The child's name is added to our Record of Baptism in the church office.

If the parents' names do not appear on our computer records at the church office, the secretary will add their names and other pertinent information to the church directory and ensure that they are assigned to one of the Pastoral Care Teams.  

The Nursery will welcome the child if the parents wish to leave him or her there when attending church.

Occasionally, the parents may be asked to serve as a nursery attendant.

The Christian Development Committee will remind the parents when the child is old enough to begin Sunday School.

Special Circumstances:

Although children whose parents are members of a Christian Church in another community can be baptized at our church, providing that the parents agree to fulfill their obligations at their own community church, we prefer that they have the baptism in their home church.  The home congregation can then give them the support in keeping with the baptism vows.

Exceptions:

Any exceptions to the baptism policy must be approved by Church Council. 

If the parents are not confirmed members, their child may be baptized if they choose a sponsor from the church.  A sponsor is a member in good standing who commits himself/herself to be responsible to the best of his/her ability, for the child's Christian upbringing through worship, Sunday School and active life of the church.  The sponsor also undertakes to encourage the child's parents to become participants in the life of the faith community.  

Vows:

Baptism of children involves promises that are taken by both the parents and the Mount Forest

United Church congregation in the presence of God. 

A Sample of the vows:

Promises of the Parents: Minister: You have brought your child here for baptism.   Do you believe in God and in God's love?

     Parents: Yes, we do.

     Minister: Do you believe that God is known to us in Jesus of Nazareth, who lived and died and lives again?

     Parents: Yes, we do.

     Minister: Do you believe that God's Spirit is active in the world to direct and strengthen you?

     Parents: Yes, we do.

     Minister: Will you do your best to provide a Christian home for your children and will you encourage them to make a personal profession of faith?

     Parents: Yes, we will.

Promises of the Congregation: As a baptized and baptizing people, we commit ourselves to support and uphold you within the community of faith.  May God grant us all the grace to live out our baptism.

 Approved by Council: June 2003