What is baptism?
Baptism is for people of any age. Baptism is a ritual act through which we express and engage spiritual meaning. It is an ancient ritual that has been used by various religious groups to mark a "before" and "after" in a believer's life. It is a rite of passage into a new stage of life. In the Judeo-Christian writings we call the Bible, John the Baptist had a ministry of baptism. He baptized people as a sign of spiritual cleansing and preparation for the one who was coming - Jesus. Then he baptized Jesus Christ.
What is Christian baptism?
It is a deep and rich well of meaning. Baptism is: A sacrament, or mystery, A symbol of God's loving embrace, A sign of dying and rising with Jesus Christ, and A celebration.
How do I request Christian Baptism?
Contact the Church office. The Minister will contact you for a pastoral visit to meet you and to talk about the sacrament and respond to your questions. As we approach the date of baptism, a member of our Baptism Coordination Team will host a meeting after Sunday morning worship the week before the baptism (at noon), for you and other candidates, to discuss arrangements and to walk through the service with you. Decisions regarding the reception of candidates for baptism are made by recommendation of the Worship Committee and the discernment of the Council of Southwood United Church, and not the Minister.
When will the service of baptism happen?
Except in cases of medical emergency, the sacrament of baptism is regularly administered at Sunday public services of worship.
- All Saints Sunday (usually the first Sunday in November)
- The First Sunday of Advent (usually the beginning of December)
- Christmas Eve (9pm service)
- The First Sunday of Lent (in the Spring)
- The Easter Vigil (the Saturday night before Easter Sunday)
- Mother's Day Sunday (in May, by request only)
- Pentecost Sunday (usually the end of May)
Please see the following brochures for more information on Baptism and Baptism Services at Southwood United. (You will need Acrobat Reader to view these brochures).