Our Methodist Denomination (part III)
Many Christian denominations will baptize by using only one particular form, immersion or pouring or sprinkling. United Methodists can receive the sacrament of baptism in any one of those three classic ways. Most of our baptisms are by sprinkling, primarily because we feel that the method or form of baptism is a symbol of a much greater act on God’s part and not to be taken as absolute in and of itself. Interestingly, sprinkling was an ancient rite in the life of the Hebrew people. In Ezekiel 36:25, God says, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness.”
An important verse to remember in understanding baptism in our United Methodist tradition is 1 John 4:10 where the writer says, “We love because He first loved us.” It is God’s initiating love, God’s “prevenient love,” that precedes and goes before even our ability to love him. And for us, baptism celebrates that great love which comes to us from the Lord and to which we are then given the opportunity to respond gratefully through faith.
If You Want to Have Your Child Baptized…
We baptize the infants of persons who are members of our congregation or who have someone in our congregation (a parent, grandparent, relative, etc.) who is willing to act as the sponsor for the child being baptized. We believe that infant baptism, which includes the promise of the parents to keep the child under the ministry and guidance of the church until the child is old enough to profess faith for himself or herself, should therefore take place in the life of the congregation in which the child’s parent or parents are members and participate fully in the life of the community of faith. The baptism of infants only makes sense when that child is brought up in a Christian home and with a Christian parent or parents, and when that parent or parents are actively committed to the Body of Christ which is the Church and will place the child in the life and nurture of the church during his or her formative years.
To arrange for a baptism at Los Arcos United Methodist Church, you should contact Mary Anne Boyles, Pastor David’s Administrative Assistant in her office from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. She will make the arrangements for you to meet with Pastor David at a mutually convenient time.
If You Want to be Baptized Yourself…
You will want to visit in person with our pastor, Rev. Cynthia Kristopeit. She would be happy to visit with you at a mutually convenient time to discuss your new faith decision, your desire to be baptized and to answer any questions you might have. She will also be happy to schedule your baptism when you meet with her.
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