PRIOR TO INFANT BAPTISM
Infant baptism is a significant commitment on the part of Christian parents to raise their child in the nature of the church.  

If parents are not a presently active part of the worship, fellowship, education and service of the church, they are asked to show a commitment to church community life before scheduling a date for baptism. A reasonable expression of church commitment should consist of attending at least five (5) worship services, and attendance to at least five (5) family classes prior to when the scheduled baptism date is set. It is expected that there will be a continued commitment to regular worship attendance and to participate in the family class for at least a year following the baptism.

The goal is to nurture the family within the context of Christian community so that the baptism vows are sincerely kept.

A meeting with the pastor and a date for baptism should be scheduled once a minimal level of church involvement is established.

THE MEANING OF BAPTISM
In this Sacrament, we receive the promise of redemption and become members of the “visible Body of Christ in the world”- the Church.

In Baptism, we declare that God’s love is not conditional upon our goodness or awareness of it, but is the visible acting out of God’s redeeming Grace.

It is not what we do or have done that is important, but what God has done for us in the Christ event.

The Sacrament is set in the worship of the Christian community and is introduced by an outline of the origin, nature, significance and meaning of the act.

The parents and sponsors (if any) come forward and present the child for baptism at the designated time in the worship service.

THE SERVICE OF BAPTISM
Covenant of God and The Baptismal Presentation

The Pastor will share the significance of the Sacrament through scripture.

Covenant of the Parents

The following vows are asked of the parents:

In presenting your child for baptism, do you declare your faith in God as your Heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit as your helper and Guide?             

Parents’ response: I do.

Do you promise, with the help of God and his people, to teach your child the truths and duties of the Christian faith?

Parents’ response: I do.

Do you promise to share in the life and worship of the Church and by prayer and example, seek to bring your child, in due time, to confess personal faith in Jesus Christ?

Parents’ response: I do. 

Covenant of the Congregation (Elder asks the questions)

Do you, as members of the First Presbyterian Church, accept this child and promise, through prayer and example, to support these parents in their ministry to their child?

Do you further promise to support and encourage this child to be faithful in their Christian walk?

Peoples’ response:  We do.

May God help and guide you in keeping the promises you have made.

GUIDELINES FOR BAPTISM
Because Baptism is a Sacrament and is celebrated during the service of worship, every effort should be made to maintain an atmosphere of reverence. Keeping this in mind, please note:

Parents should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the worship service and meet (at the coffee table in the Overflow Room) with an Attending Elder who is there to assist.  Family members and guests attending the service for the Baptism should be seated prior to the service and remain for the entire service.

Nursery care is available for younger children who may not be able to sit “meek and mild”, and is located next door in the Christian Education Building, second floor.

Restrooms are located in the hallway leading off the Overflow Room on both floors of the Christian Education Building.

Photography is not permitted during the service. The Pastor will “restage” the baptism following the conclusion of the service so photographs may be taken at that time. 

Please deactivate all cell phones and pagers prior to entering the sanctuary.

Please advise family members and guests in advance of our guidelines as different churches have different procedures.