If you would like to book a baptism, then please call us at (613) 837-4321 or email us at: orleansunited@rogers.com
At Orleans United Church we believe that baptism is the rite of initiation into the Christian community. It is the act whereby each of us is welcomed into the church family and reminded of our identity as followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that baptism is a significant event for all concerned, and are excited to celebrate it fully and appropriately. We eagerly welcome the reception of a new life into our midst.
We baptize because Jesus was baptized, and because “After his resurrection Jesus said to his disciples: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go then to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20)
When people became Christians in the early church, they were baptized as Jesus had been; that is they went down under the water and came up again. This meant that they were dying to their old way of life and being born into a new life. Jesus made this possible by his own death and resurrection.
Although, in our tradition, people are seldom baptized by going down under the water, the meaning is the same. Baptism stands for the new life God gives us through Jesus. It proclaims that God has made us members of his family. Since children cannot understand what is being done, their parents and the church act on their behalf. The parents promise to bring them up in the Christian faith. We, the church, promise to help them. It is our hope and prayer that when they are old enough to understand, they will speak for themselves and choose to be confirmed as Christ’s people.
Children are the most precious of God’s gifts and have a special place at Orleans United Church. The sacrament of infant baptism allows our congregation to welcome children in the church family. Baptism allows parents and guardians to make a commitment to provide Christian homes for their children and encourage them to seek confirmation.
We are pleased that you are considering having your child baptized among us and hope that it will be a special event for you and the first step in your child’s faith journey. Our goal is to help you make a prayerfully-considered decision about baptism, honour the commitments you will be making on behalf of and for your child, and really enjoy the baptismal celebration itself. At Orleans United Church:
- Both clergy and elders share responsibility for baptism
- Baptisms are performed during a regular service by a Minister of the congregation. If you wish other clergy to take part in the service, please consult with the Minister.
- Before a child is baptized, parents or guardians attend a baptismal evening led by our Elders and the Minister. This evening provides you with an opportunity to review your religious background as well as to learn about baptism and the life and work of our Church.
- In addition to the parents or guardians, other family members, friends and godparents are welcome to participate.
- An attempt will be made to have three baptisms at each worship service.
- There is an opportunity after the service for taking pictures. No photographs are permitted to be taken during the service.
- You are also encouraged to attend a post-baptismal evening which allows you to get to know other families who have shared the experience of baptism.
- Preparation for Adult (or Believer’s) Baptism is made through participation in a Confirmation Class or Refresher Course. For children nearing the normal age for confirmation (about 13 years old) the Minister will discuss with the child and their family which method of Baptism would be most appropriate.
If the circumstances warrant, the Elders may waive or alter the above conditions.
Once again, if you would like to book a baptism, then please call the church office at (613) 837-4321 or email us at: orleansunited@rogers.com