Baptism

Baptism is the sign of belief in Jesus
Baptism symbolizes burial and resurrection, and thus is the mark of a believer’s identification with Jesus Christ. Logically, baptism ought to follow belief which is the case with adult baptism. But, coming out of the Jewish tradition of circumcision, Christian parents include their children in the external expressions of faith. The Scripture promises that if we “train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) And thus, for centuries parents have had their children baptized in the confidence that God would help them bring these same children into a mature, vibrant Christian faith.

Membership
At least one of the parents needs to be a member of St. Paul’s to have their child baptized here. If parents grew up in St. Paul’s, or are otherwise related to St. Paul’s but now live elsewhere and desire to have their child baptized here, we encourage them to reconsider having their child baptized in the church they are currently attending. If, however, for family or other reason, they still prefer to come back to this parish for the baptism, we ask that their current minister send to us a letter giving consent. 

Godparents or Sponsors
Godparents (or sponsors) stand with the parents and join them in promising to do all in their power to insure the Christian nurture of a child presented for baptism. In the event of such tragedy that the parents could not fulfill their promise, the responsibility falls to the Godparents. Godparents may be of any denomination, but are to be believing, practicing, participating, and baptized members of some part of the contemporary church, willing to carry out the promises made in the service. We encourage practicing and presently participating members of other churches to nominal or indifferent Christians.

Scheduling a Baptism
In our new baptismal service the whole congregation joins the parents and Godparents in making the promises on behalf of the child. This underscores the importance of sharing such an event with the “Family of the Church” (rather than having it a private affair). At St. Paul’s we have traditionally set aside six Sundays a year, though there are occasionally exceptions. The service choices are the 8:00 am or 10:45 am traditional service in the historic church building, or the 9:00 am contemporary service in Doar Hall. In addition to performing baptisms as part of our worship services, we also offer baptism by immersion for all ages during the warmer months. Contact Mrs. Kerry Hall, Parish Administrator, for these additional dates. Mrs. Hall will also schedule an appointment with you to meet with St. Paul’s Rector/Pastor in order to begin the process of baptismal preparation. 

For more information or to schedule a baptism, please contact Mrs. Kerry Hall, Parish Administrator at 843-873-1991 or email.