What Is Baptism?
Just as we are born into a biological family, we are born again into God’s family (John 3:3). Christians experience this rebirth sacramentally through baptism. It is the outward and visible sign of what happens when a person is united to Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4) and made a member of His people, the church.
This is both a local and universal reality: baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is recognized by all churches everywhere (Eph. 4:5) but it is also experienced in the context of a local congregation. At every baptism, the community vows to “do all in our power to support these persons in their life in Christ” (BCP 165). This means we’ll support you and your children as you raise them to know Jesus personally.
Baptisms are done publicly, usually during Sunday worship when the whole church is gathered (and sometimes, for those desiring immersion, in a nearby mountain stream!). This illustrates that our personal faith exists in community. To belong to Christ is to belong to His people who share fellowship at His Table. At The Vine, baptized children are encouraged to participate in Sunday worship and are welcome to receive communion at their parents’ discretion.
Ready to Be Baptized?
If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized, you can begin a conversation using the form below. Feel free to include any questions or hesitancies you may have. Once you have submitted the form, you will be contacted by one of our pastors with more information.
Remember Your Baptism
You may notice that the baptismal font resides in the entryway of our church. This reminds us that we enter the community of faith by way of rebirth. Baptism marks the beginning of our life in Christ, but it also reminds us how to continue in Him. No matter how we may have strayed or sinned, we can always “come home” to the Father into whose name we have been born. As His children, forgiveness is always on offer; He is always ready to welcome us in.