Questions and Answers about

Baptism at Northwood Presbyterian Church

CONTENTS o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

What is baptism? What is the significance of a “sacrament”? At what age does the Presbyterian Church baptize? Why do Presbyterians baptize infants? Baptism or Dedication? Is christening different from baptism? How is infant baptism different from adult baptism? How is adult baptism different from infant baptism? How do I begin to arrange for a baptism? Will I receive baptismal instruction? What if I was already baptized in another church? Suppose I would like to be re-baptized? Who can bring a child for infant baptism? Does the Pastor decide who can be baptized? Must the parents be members of this church? May inactive members bring a child for baptism? What about Godparents? Who participates in the baptism? When & where does a service of baptism take place? What happens during a child or infant baptism? May we take pictures? What is a parent’s role after infant baptism? What is the church’s role after infant baptism? Order of Baptism

WHAT IS BAPTISM? Baptism is a sacrament performed by the church of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Water is the visible sign used to represent God’s invisible action. Baptism signifies:  “the faithfulness of God,  the washing away of sin,  rebirth,  putting on the fresh garments of Christ,  being sealed by God’s Spirit,  adoption into the covenant family of the Church,  resurrection and illumination in Christ.” Baptism is a “sign and seal of inclusion in God’s grace and covenant with the church.”

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A “SACRAMENT”? In the Presbyterian tradition, that word is reserved for the two things Jesus commanded his disciples to do: (1) to remember him in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11), and (2) to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). The two fit together. In baptism we are adopted into the family of God and given the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Communion the family of God comes together at the Table and by the power of the Holy Spirit is renewed in faith and spirit through the sharing of the bread and cup.

AT WHAT AGE DOES THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BAPTIZE? The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) baptizes both children and adults. Infant children should be baptized “without undue delay, but without undue haste.” Typically children are baptized between about two weeks and six months old, though later is not unusual. Older children may prefer to wait until they are old enough to attend Confirmation Class, where young people decide if they are ready to publicly acknowledge Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior. Northwood encourages middle-school age for participation in this year-long journey of faith. Those who had not been baptized would receive adult baptism at the same time as their peers confirm the faith claimed on their behalf in infant

baptism As all of these young people make a mature commitment to God, they become adult members of the church. Older Teens and Adults who have not been baptized are also welcome to receive Christ in the Sacrament of Baptism.

WHY DO PRESBYTERIANS BAPTIZE INFANTS? God’s love extends to all. Like the sun and the rain that God provides for both the just and the unjust, it is unconditional, not at all dependent upon our ability or willingness to acknowledge it. In baptizing infants, we recognize that our relationship with the Lord is initiated by God, not us. The One who “knit [us] together in [our] mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13) claims us even before we have words to offer our praise and commitment in return for God’s abundant gifts and blessings. In infant baptism we are also remembering that when others tried to shoo children away, Jesus said “Let the little children come to me” and told them that the kingdom of heaven belongs to “such as these” (Matthew 19:14). Finally, we are recognizing that children are seen as members of a family from the time they are born or adopted into it – there’s no waiting until they are old enough to “decide to join.” Why should it be any different in the Family of God? In baptism God adopts us. We officially become part of a world-wide family composed of believers of every tribe, people, and language. All are welcome!

BAPTISM OR DEDICATION? All Christian traditions both recognize that children belong in the family and that at some point individuals need to make their own commitment to the Lord. For Presbyterians, the Sacrament of Baptism marks the welcome and Confirmation is the time of commitment. Traditions that reserve baptism for an older, intentional, personal faith commitment choose to “dedicate” infants and children to the Lord instead of baptizing them. In both cases, parents make promises to raise their child in faith and, after the child has grown in faith and wisdom, he or she must make their own decision to acknowledge Jesus as their own Savior and commit to being a disciple who follows the way of the Lord.

IS CHRISTENING DIFFERENT FROM BAPTISM? In common usage, “baptism” and “christening” are used almost interchangeably. To christen literally means to make Christian; it may also mean to name someone (to give someone a Christian name). While both words are sometimes associated with this sacrament, the more proper name for the sacrament is Baptism.

HOW IS INFANT BAPTISM DIFFERENT FROM ADULT BAPTISM? Both signify our union with Christ and our entry into the family of God. In infant baptism, children’s parents affirm their personal faith and commit themselves to raise their children in the knowledge and love of God. They make promises to God and the church on behalf of children too young to make commitments of their own.

HOW IS ADULT BAPTISM DIFFERENT FROM INFANT BAPTISM? In adult baptism, people personally affirm their own faith in God. Their affirmation of belief and public profession of faith is made out of their personal devotion to God and commitment to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In the Presbyterian Church, adult baptism also brings the person being baptized into membership both in the church universal and into the particular congregation in which the baptism takes place.

HOW DO I BEGIN TO ARRANGE FOR A BAPTISM? Your first step in arranging for a Baptism is to meet with the Pastor. Whether you are bringing a child for infant baptism or seeking adult baptism for yourself, the pastor will tell you what you need to know and what steps you need to take. In the meantime, please fill out a baptismal form (available in the church office) to provide the pastor with basic information related to the baptism.

WILL I RECEIVE BAPTISMAL INSTRUCTION? Yes. The amount of the instruction will depend on your situation.  If you are bringing a child for infant baptism and have yourself been active in the church, you will typically have a session lasting for an hour or two with the pastor.

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If you are coming for adult baptism, the amount of instruction will depend on how much background you have in faith and in knowledge of the church. You will work out a schedule with the pastor to meet your personal needs.

WHAT IF I WAS ALREADY BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHURCH? You do not need to be baptized again. The Presbyterian Church recognizes as valid “all baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other churches.”

SUPPOSE I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-BAPTIZED? We believe baptism to be a one-time rite, not to be repeated. However, there are ways to renew your baptismal vows. If you wish to reaffirm your baptism, please speak with the pastor.

WHO CAN BRING A CHILD FOR INFANT BAPTISM? Those presenting a child for baptism will ordinarily be “the parent(s) or one(s) rightly exercising parental responsibility,” someone in a position to be responsible for bringing the child to church and encouraging the child’s growth in faith. As a sign of that responsibility, at least one of those people must be committed to involvement in a Christian community. Regular attendance at worship and membership in a church are two of the usually expected outward signs of an inner faith commitment.

DOES THE PASTOR DECIDE WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED? No. The Session (the church’s governing board) has the final authority over baptism. All baptisms – including all baptisms within the families of church members – must be approved by the session.

MUST THE PARENTS BE MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH? Ordinarily, those bringing a child for baptism will be members of this church. The denomination strongly advises, but does not mandate, that at least one parent be a member of this church. There are occasions when it is quite appropriate to baptize other children. The pastor can help if you have questions about this.

MAY INACTIVE MEMBERS BRING A CHILD FOR BAPTISM? Yes…But. Yes – members on the inactive role have the right to present their children for baptism. But – the session, in its responsibility to approve baptisms, is urged to make certain that those baptized “are surrounded by Christian encouragement and support,” which occurs most effectively through active involvement in the church.

WHAT ABOUT GODPARENTS? In the Presbyterian Church there are no official Godparents, but there is no rule against them. Families may choose to have Godparents stand with them at the baptism and promise to help the child grow in faith through prayer and example. They may also ask the session to appoint (in consultation with them) sponsors from the congregation to assist in nurturing the newly baptized person. Whether Godparents or sponsors represent support from family, friends, or the congregation, they promise a long-term commitment to providing spiritual guidance and support for the person’s journey of Christian faith.

WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE BAPTISM? Normally the church’s pastor baptizes the child. When there is good reason, the pastor may choose to invite another minister to participate. An elder from the church (may be one requested by the family) presents the child to the congregation. In adult baptisms, usually only the person being baptized comes forward. For an infant or child baptism, one or (preferably) both parents participate. (In rare cases, another person may be bringing the child for baptism.) If there are other children in the family, they are encouraged to stand with the family. Godparents, sponsors, and other family members or close friends may also join the family around the font. Decisions about who will participate should be made in advance after discussion with the pastor.

WHEN & WHERE DOES A SERVICE OF BAPTISM TAKE PLACE? In Presbyterian churches, baptism is part of the worship of the whole congregation. Even in the extraordinary cases when an exception may be made, as much of the congregation as possible is to be invited.

There is never supposed to be a private service of baptism, primarily because in our tradition, the entire congregation takes responsibility to nurture in Christian faith those who are baptized. Ideally the baptism occurs after the sermon during a Sunday morning worship as a response to hearing God’s word. For practical reasons, when small children are involved the baptism usually occurs 15-20 minutes into the service, before the sermon.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CHILD OR INFANT BAPTISM? Everyone present, those in front and those seated in the congregation, makes a commitment to raise the one being baptized in the Christian faith and to support them as they learn and grow in it. Special promises are made by the parents. As appropriate, there may be promises made by other children in the family, Godparents or sponsors, grandparents or other close family or friends. After those standing by the font renounce evil and acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior, everyone professes their belief. For this we use the Apostles’ Creed, joining with the long line of Christians throughout history who have used these time-honored words to declare their faith. Before the prayer of thanksgiving made over the water of baptism, a pre-selected person among those in front pours water into the baptismal font. When it is time for the baptism, whoever has been in charge of the child or holding the infant gives them into the care of the pastor for the sacrament. As part of the Welcome, it is our custom for the pastor to walk around the sanctuary with the child to “introduce” him or her to the congregation, usually while a hymn is being sung. The family may have selected an appropriate song for this in consultation with the pastor. In some circumstances, the family may accompany the pastor and child, or a parent may carry the infant. When all is done, the family returns to their seats.

MAY WE TAKE PICTURES? Pictures and videos are important to families as years pass and memories are recalled, but the taking of them should never detract from the sacrament taking place. Those witnessing should remain seated and focus on the sacrament rather than on taking pictures.

If photos or videos are desired, designate one person to be the photographer on behalf of everyone and/or one to be a videographer. Please ask others to refrain. No pictures or videos may be taken from the chancel area during the baptism. Pictures may be taken photos from the side aisles only and only using available light. Flash pictures are not permitted. The sacrament may be restaged for photographs after the service. Videos must also be made with existing light and the camera(s) set in one place as unobtrusively as possible and without blocking the view of the worshippers. It may be possible to place a remotely controlled camera upon consultation with the pastor.

WHAT IS A PARENT’S ROLE AFTER INFANT BAPTISM? Baptism involves commitment. It is not done to a child or for a child, as if to protect him or her from evil or damnation; it is a commitment to raise and nurture the child “within the community of faith until the child is ready to make a personal profession of faith and assume the responsibilities of active church membership.” This requires more than parents teaching children the things of God in their lives at home; it commits them to involving their children in the life, the work, and the nurture of the worshipping church, and setting an example for them by their personal faith, life, and involvement in the church.

WHAT IS THE CHURCH’S ROLE AFTER INFANT BAPTISM? The local congregation, on behalf of the Church universal, assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized person in the Christian life. The session is responsible for providing for the growth of all its members, the youngest through the oldest, through educational programs and instruction in the sacraments, sharing in fellowship and mutual support, and opportunities for witness and service in the world.

ORDER OF BAPTISM PRESENTATION PROMISES PROFESSION OF FAITH THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER THE BAPTISM LAYING ON OF HANDS WELCOME

For more information, contact: NORTHWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1200 University Blvd., West Silver Spring, MD 20902 301-412-4565 [email protected] www.northwoodchurch.com Rev. Laurel Underwood

Contents of this booklet are expanded and adapted from Questions and Answers About Baptism at Community Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. John F. Underwood. Quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV), the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), or Holy Baptism and Services for the Renewal of Baptism (Supplemental Liturgical Resource 2), 1985, page 17