Baptisms
Joining in the fellowship of the Christian Community.
What is Baptism?
In the sacrament of baptism we ask the Holy Spirit to use water to make visible the grace,
forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ.
Baptism at OCC
What is a Sacrament in the United Church of Christ?
Sacraments are ritual actions in worship which, according to Scripture, were instituted by Jesus. In the sacraments of baptism and communion we ask the Holy Spirit to use water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ.
Each Sunday, the congregation joins in a variety of unison prayers and spoken responses that are printed in the bulletin. Throughout the service, the congregation members may stand together or be seated as a sign of unity and respect for the worship experience. Those who are not physically able or comfortable to stand may feel free to remain seated.
A sign-in registry for newcomers is located in the back of the sanctuary. If you are interested in receiving more information about the church, simply fill out the information and you will be contacted.
At the conclusion of worship, the pastor greets people at the main sanctuary exit. All are invited to enjoy light refreshments and conversation at our Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall.
What does Baptism signify?
The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God’s people always.
How does Baptism take place?
Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God’s gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift.
Why is water used?
Water is an essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible—the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of Israel through the sea, the water of Mary’s womb, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present in the service. At the Monroe Congregational Church, we generally baptize by sprinkling water on a person’s forehead.
Who is baptized?
Infants, children, youth and adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized before, baptism marks their acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, the sign and seal of God’s grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life.
Is re-baptism necessary?
The United Church of Christ recognizes the validity of all baptisms, therefore there is no need for re-baptism. If there is a question about whether baptism has taken place, a conditional phrase may be added as a person is baptized, such as “if you are not already baptized.” It is a well-accepted practice, however, for people to renew their baptismal vows in a service of baptismal renewal, such as the Order for Renewal of Baptism in the UCC Book of Worship.
Is there a special time for Baptism?
Baptism is a personal celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their families. It is also a celebration within the local church family and a recognition of its commitment. For this reason, baptism is celebrated in the presence of the community gathered for worship. If circumstances require baptism to take place outside of corporate worship, members of the local church, if possible, may participate in the ceremony with the pastor. In urgent circumstances, such as imminent death, any Christian may perform the baptism.
When should a person be baptized?
Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered. In the early Christian church, the season of Lent was used as the final period for the preparation of candidates. In the scriptures that are read during the seasons from Advent up to Easter, there are many texts that teach the faith and point toward baptism. In the early church, the candidates were baptized together at the Vigil of Easter (the pre-dawn Easter service). Please contact one of our pastors to begin a conversation about baptism.
Are sponsors present?
Parents, in consultation with the pastor, may choose sponsors or Godparents for infants and young children who are to be baptized. Other candidates for baptism may also be given this opportunity to have sponsors. At the time of the baptismal service, the sponsors, who accompany the candidates and present them for baptism, may make promises identical to the promises of the parents concerning their role.
What words are used?
The Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ provides an Order for Baptism and orders for Affirmation of Baptism. The recognition of our baptism by the ecumenical church is important to us, and the Book of Worship encourages the use of language recognized in most Christian churches: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Our pastors add “One God, Mother of us all” to enrich inclusive understandings of the image of God and offer balance.
In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
Would you like to be baptized?
Please do not hesitate to call our church office: 631-323-2665 or e-mail us at OrientChurchUCC@gmail.com . We look forward to meeting you in person!