Baptism is an initiation rite to celebrate the love God gives us. This is an act of welcoming, blessing and belonging. We are called to express our love of God and with that love we are then part of the Christian community and followers of Jesus Christ.
Baptism is a vey significant event in our church as it is one of the two sacraments that we celebrate, the other being communion. We typically celebrate baptisms as needed throughout the year with the participation of the congregation as we gather during our Sunday worship service. As a congregation we always look forward to baptism as it is a reminder of God’s love and our commitment of faith to God.
The United Church offers baptism to people of any age. We believe the gift of God’s love doesn’t depend on our ability to understand it, so we baptize people as infants right up through adulthood.
When baptizing children, parents or sponsors vow to raise the children in Christian faith and encourage them to participate in the activities of the church. Parents not yet baptized are encouraged to receive the sacrament of Baptism for themselves as well. During the ceremony, everyone in the congregation pledges support for the child and his or her parents.
Baptism is not a requirement for God’s love. We believe people who die without baptism are in no way condemned, lost, or damned.
Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian church that practise infant baptism. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their baptism and welcomes them as Christians.
For information and assistance regarding baptism at Appleby Church please contact us at applebyoffice1@gmail.com or 905-637-2942.