The sacrament of baptism is the sign, symbol and seal of the covenant God has made with us in Jesus Christ.  Our Christian identity begins in baptism.  In this sacrament we are marked forever as Christ�s own, our lives set within the triune life of God and incorporated into the worship and work of God�s people.  Baptism assures us of our cleansing from sin, of our participation in Christ�s death and resurrection, and of our welcome into the household of God. 

The Baptism of Adults

Adults and youth may receive the sacrament of baptism upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  You may speak to one of the ministers at any time to obtain information and counseling regarding baptism, or to schedule a baptism. 

The Baptism of Infants and Children

�See what love the father has given us, that we should be called the children of God; and so we are.�

(I John 3:1)

God our Father who has redeemed us in Jesus Christ is also the God and Father of our children.  They belong with us to the family of God through the covenant established in Christ and confirmed to us by God in this sacrament.  In presenting a child for baptism, parents affirm their own faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, acknowledge their child�s need of the redeeming grace of Christ, and claim God�s covenant promises on their child�s behalf, promising to teach their child to know, to love, and to serve the Lord.  Joining with the parents, the congregation, as corporate godparent, promises to teach those who are baptized, to tell them the good news of the gospel, to help them know of Christ�s love, his care, his commandments, and by their love and fellowship to strengthen the child�s ties with the household of God.  At the baptism of a child these words are often spoken:  

�Little child, for you Jesus Christ came into the world. He did battle in the world; he suffered.  For you he went through the agony of Gethsemane and the darkness of Calvary.  For you he cried it is fulfilled; for you he triumphed over death.  And you, little child, do not yet understand anything about this.  But thus is the statement of the apostle confirmed: �We love God because God first loved us.��

Parents of children to be baptized are required to attend a baptism counseling session.  At least one parent must be a member of the church.  You may schedule an infant or child�s baptism by calling the church office and speaking to one of the pastors.