Baptism
There is nothing we love more than gathering around the font of living waters for the sacrament of baptism! If you are interested in having your child baptized, contact our church office for more information.
INTRODUCTION
Are you interested in having your child baptized at the Rehoboth Congregational Church? We would love to be part of their special day! Here is some information about baptism at RCC, as well as some frequently asked questions.
ABOUT BAPTISM
Baptism is one of the two sacraments we recognize at the Rehoboth Congregational Church (the other is Holy Communion). We believe that baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. It is both God’s gift and our response to that gift. It is a tangible act where we use water to symbolize the cleansing of our sins and the emergence of a new life in Christ. It is a sacred moment where we welcome an individual into our church and community of faith. We also bear witness to the beautiful and life-changing truth that when the waters of baptism touch us, we are all claimed as God’s own children.
In baptism we make a promise to the one being baptized – and, in the case of infants and young children, their parents – that we will create a space for them here, at this church to learn and grow in their faith and love and support them on their journeys.
BAPTISM PROCESS
The baptism ceremony is part of our weekly Sunday worship. Unless prior arrangements have been made, we only baptize one individual (or multiple individuals in one family) at a service.
Baptisms are scheduled no less than 4 weeks in advance. We will let families know what dates we have available in the time frame they are wishing to have the baptism and let them choose which date works best for them.
Due to logistical and time constraints, we do not baptize on Communion Sunday or any other special Sunday throughout the year.
We strongly encourage the candidate for baptism (or their parents) to attend worship at least once prior to the baptism to familiarize themselves with our community and worship service.
Candidates for baptism (or their parents) must meet with the Pastor at least 2 weeks prior to baptism. At this time, the baptism information form must be submitted to the office.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the baptism ceremony look like?
The baptism ceremony is integrated towards the beginning of our worship service. The candidate for baptism, along with their parents and godparents, join the Pastor and a member of the Board of Deacons around the baptismal font for the liturgy.
During the ceremony, the Pastor reviews what baptism means in our community, offers an opportunity for parents to remember their baptisms, asks parents and godparents if they are prepared to raise and nurture the candidate for baptism in the Christian faith and then invites the congregation to offer their support.
The pastor will invite the children of the congregation to come forward to aid in the blessing of the baptismal water. After the act of baptism, a Deacon will present them with their baptismal certificate, a baptismal cup (handcrafted by a member of our congregation!) and a child’s bible presented by our Church School Director
The last part of the ceremony involves a blessing over the baptized. If more than one member of a family is baptized on the same day, individual blessings will be offered.
Is there a fee?
There is no fee for baptism at RCC. Families and friends who attend are invited to make a donation to the church during our weekly offering.
Do I have to be a member?
No, you do not have to be a member of RCC for you or your children to be baptized!
Can we take pictures?
Of course! We encourage friends and family to sit up front so they have a good view of the ceremony.
Are there requirements for godparents?
Nope! As parents, you know who will best fit that role for your child.
Do children have to be baptized at a certain age?
Nope! Choose a time frame that works best for you and your family.
I am an adult and have never been baptized. Do you baptize adults?
Of course! We will adapt our liturgy accordingly. Contact our Church Office for more information!