Baptism
A sign of God’s love: present and at work in the one being baptized, and throughout the whole congregation.
In the United Church tradition, baptism is a Sacrament. A Sacrament has been defined as “an outward and physical sign of an inward and spiritual grace.”
As the United Church of Canada, we believe God loves every child, whether or not that child has been baptized. We believe that God’s love is active in every child from the beginning. God’s love for the child does not begin at baptism. This means that according to United Church Beliefs, people who die without having been baptized will not be condemned, lost or damned because they have not been baptized. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, nor a magic charm for life.
In the United Church of Canada, as in many other Christian denominations, baptism is primarily an act of initiation. Through baptism Christians are made part of the universal Christian Church and, specifically, the United Church of Canada and Kimbourne Park congregation.
When children are baptized, their parents make promises before God and before the entire congregation in a public service of worship. The promises are: that they believe in God; that they believe in Jesus Christ; that they believe in the Holy Spirit.
We are an understanding people, and we realize that it can be difficult to bring an infant to church every Sunday without fail. However, in baptism we, as a congregation, also make a promise that we will support you and your child and that we will help with Christian education for your child.
We also hope that you will consider Kimbourne Park Church an extension of your family, and that you will call upon us when you need pastoral support of any kind.
In response to frequently asked questions:
We do not need to have two parents present at baptism, and we do not need to have two parents make the baptismal promises.
Godparents are not a requirement in the United Church. In fact, Godparents are not an official part of our United Church tradition. If you wish to have people stand up with you at your child’s baptism, you are invited and welcome to do so.
Your child already has a legal name, whether or not he or she has been baptized. It is not a part of United Church tradition to change a child’s name at baptism.
Baptism in the United Church of Canada is recognized by all denominations of the Christian Church which practice infant baptism.
You will be given a Certificate of Baptism during the worship service, and your child’s baptism will be recorded in our Baptismal Register. A copy of the Baptismal Register is sufficient proof of baptism for Separate Schools and for the courts.
There is no fee for baptism. Donations are always appreciated.
There are no requirements with regard to how a child is dressed for baptism.
If, after reading this and considering its content, you decide to have your child baptized, please contact our Administrator and make an appointment with the minister. We would expect that you attend our worship services prior to making your final decision. This would enable you to get a feel for the congregation and to meet the staff. Our worship time is Sunday at 10:15 AM.
Let us assure you that we’re a welcoming and friendly congregation, and that we truly would like you and your children to become a part of the “Kimbourne Park Family.” Our bottom line with regard to baptism is that we are flexible, understanding and realistic.