Baptism
Baptism is one of the two sacraments celebrated by
The Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.. Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the
Christian way of life. Washing with water is the sign and seal of a person’s
inclusion in the covenant of God’s people and union with the risen Christ. Thus,
baptism, whether of an adult or a child, is a response to the gifts that God provides a
person in this life. God always acts in our lives first, and then we respond in
thanksgiving. In the Presbyterian tradition, neither the act of baptism nor the decision
to be baptized confers salvation. Both of these acts are responses to God’s grace at
work in a person’s life.
What must I do to be baptized?
The first step is to contact the Church Office. One of our pastors will be
happy to meet with you for a session or two of baptismal education.
Following your baptismal education, a date will be set for you or your child
to be baptized and be received into our family of faith during a worship service.
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If you would like, |
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As an alternative, |
→ | Baptism Request |
Is it possible to be baptized but not join the church?
No. Since baptism means union with Christ, it also means union with Christ’s
body the church. In baptism, a person is promising to follow Christ’s
way of life as a member of the church.
If I have been baptized in another tradition, do I have to be baptized again?
No. The Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. places great emphasis on the unity of
Christ’s church. We believe that anyone who has been baptized in the
name of Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a baptized member of
Christ’s church regardless of denominational tradition. You must
simply attend a new member orientation class to be a member of The Presbyterian
Church of Barrington.
How can I arrange to have my child baptized?
If you are a member of The Presbyterian Church of Barrington,
fill out the form above and contact one of the pastors to arrange for
baptismal education and an appropriate date. If you are not a member,
you need to take our new member orientation class and join our family of faith
because the vows taken to become a member mirror the vows that you will make on
behalf of your child as you promise to raise her or him in the Christian way
of life.
May I have godparents?
Godparents are not a specific part of The Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.’s
tradition because the entire church family is responsible for the spiritual
welfare of the child. If you wish to include “sponsors”
(person who are close to your family and willing to fulfill this spiritual
responsibility) they are welcome to stand with you at the baptismal font and
take the baptismal vows for your child with you.