Baptism is the sacred use of water, commanded by Jesus Christ, to signify God’s cleansing of our sins and our welcome into the family of God. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Covenant Church celebrates both the sacrament of baptism for adults, youth, children, and infants; as well as the dedication of infants and young children. To participate in our next scheduled baptism celebration or dedication and to prepare yourself or your child for that sacred moment, choose from the following options below.
The Covenant Church celebrates both the sacrament of baptism for adults, youth, children, and infants; as well as the dedication of infants and young children. To participate in our next scheduled baptism celebration or dedication and to prepare yourself or your child for that sacred moment, choose from the following options below.
Adult Baptisms
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is often described as a visible sign of God's invisible grace, cleansing you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” It’s not the water that washes your sin away. It’s God who washes your sin when you put your faith in Jesus. The water signifies that washing.
Baptism is also a sign of your faith in Jesus and a way of showing everybody else that you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus). 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” All of us, young and old are in the same family, baptized by the same Spirit, into the same faith. Baptism shows that we all belong to God’s family.
Lastly, baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and welcomed into the family of God (the Church). Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Going under the water represents both Jesus dying and going into the grave and God putting your sin to death. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising back to life and God raising you to new life, free from slavery to sin.
To sum up, baptism is not HOW you get saved, it shows that you ARE saved. Baptism doesn’t get you INTO heaven, it shows that you’re a child OF heaven. Baptism isn’t just about what you’re doing, it’s more about what God has done and is doing in you. When we are baptized, we are marked with the sign that we belong to Jesus.
METHODS OF BAPTISM
While we prefer immersion (going all the way under water), there are other methods for baptism including sprinkling or pouring. Since baptism is not the means of salvation (faith is the means of salvation) nor is water the active agent in the cleansing of our sin (it is God who cleanses us of our sin through faith); the method of how one is baptized is not as significant.
BIBLICAL STORIES OF BAPTISM
As you prepare for your baptism, we encourage you to spend a little time reading through the following passages that help us get a better understanding of what baptism is and how it was used in their context. Then think about the included questions for reflections.
READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
After reading through the information above, if you find yourself ready to be baptized, fill out the form linked below. You will then be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions that you may have and to help you be ready for your baptism. We are excited that God is moving in your life and look forward to joining you on this journey through baptism!
Baptism is often described as a visible sign of God's invisible grace, cleansing you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” It’s not the water that washes your sin away. It’s God who washes your sin when you put your faith in Jesus. The water signifies that washing.
Baptism is also a sign of your faith in Jesus and a way of showing everybody else that you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus). 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” All of us, young and old are in the same family, baptized by the same Spirit, into the same faith. Baptism shows that we all belong to God’s family.
Lastly, baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and welcomed into the family of God (the Church). Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Going under the water represents both Jesus dying and going into the grave and God putting your sin to death. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising back to life and God raising you to new life, free from slavery to sin.
To sum up, baptism is not HOW you get saved, it shows that you ARE saved. Baptism doesn’t get you INTO heaven, it shows that you’re a child OF heaven. Baptism isn’t just about what you’re doing, it’s more about what God has done and is doing in you. When we are baptized, we are marked with the sign that we belong to Jesus.
METHODS OF BAPTISM
While we prefer immersion (going all the way under water), there are other methods for baptism including sprinkling or pouring. Since baptism is not the means of salvation (faith is the means of salvation) nor is water the active agent in the cleansing of our sin (it is God who cleanses us of our sin through faith); the method of how one is baptized is not as significant.
BIBLICAL STORIES OF BAPTISM
As you prepare for your baptism, we encourage you to spend a little time reading through the following passages that help us get a better understanding of what baptism is and how it was used in their context. Then think about the included questions for reflections.
- Read Mark 1:4-5. Why was John baptizing people? What does it mean to repent?
- Read Matthew 3:13-17. Why did John try to talk Jesus out of being baptized by him? Why do you think Jesus said it was important for him to be baptized?
- Read Acts 16:25-33. When the jailer asked to be saved, what did Paul and Silas say he needed to do? What was baptism’s purpose in this story?
- Some other passages you may want to check out about some images of baptism: Acts 22:16, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Romans 6:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Colossians 2:9-12.
READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
After reading through the information above, if you find yourself ready to be baptized, fill out the form linked below. You will then be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions that you may have and to help you be ready for your baptism. We are excited that God is moving in your life and look forward to joining you on this journey through baptism!
CHILD BAPTISMS
PARTNERING WITH PARENTS
Parents, we value our partnership with you and entrust to you the decision of when your child should be baptized. We encourage you to teach and prepare them well for their baptism. To assist you with their preparation, we have provided the following content to read together with your child and talk about what it means. Throughout this content are questions to help cultivate a deeper discussion with your child. Take as much time as you need to go over this with them, and we pray that you will have a great conversation about this sacred experience together!
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is often described as a visible sign of God's invisible grace. Think about a sign you may see hanging on the side of a business in town. Why do these sign matter? What does it tell us about that place? How is it helpful for other people? This is like baptism. It is something we do that everyone sees, but it points us to the bigger story of God's grace that he has given to each one of us through Jesus.
Baptism is a sign that God has cleansed you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "So what are you waiting for? Get up and call on his name. Be baptized. Have your sins washed away.” What do you think sin is? Sin is all thoughts, words, or actions that go against God's plan for us. When we are baptized, it's important to recognize that the water does not wash your sin away. Rather, it is God who washes your sin when you put your faith in Jesus. The water simply represents that washing. Do you believe God has washed your sins away?
Baptism is a sign of your faith in Jesus and a way of showing everybody else that you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus). Romans 6:4 says, “By being baptized, we were buried with Christ into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we also can live a new life." Do you believe God raised Jesus from the grave to save us? When we go under the water, it represents both Jesus going into the grave and God putting your sin to death. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising back to life and God raising you to new life, free from slavery to sin. Have you put your faith in Jesus as your Savior?
Baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and welcomed into the family of God (the Church). 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink.” All of us, young and old are in the same family, baptized by the same Spirit, into the same faith. Baptism shows that we all belong to the family of God. Do you see yourself as a child of God and a part of our Church family? Why do you want to be baptized?
METHODS OF BAPTISM
While we prefer immersion (going all the way under water), there are other methods for baptism including sprinkling or pouring. Since baptism is not the means of salvation (faith is the means of salvation) nor is water the active agent in the cleansing of our sin (it is God who cleanses us of our sin through faith); the method of how one is baptized is not as significant.
READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If your child is ready to be baptized, fill out the form linked below and you will be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions you may have and to help you be ready for the day of your child's baptism. If you feel your child is not ready for baptism, that is okay! This is a sacred experience that we do not want to rush. We encourage you to continue having these conversations regarding faith and baptism with them until they are ready.
Parents, we value our partnership with you and entrust to you the decision of when your child should be baptized. We encourage you to teach and prepare them well for their baptism. To assist you with their preparation, we have provided the following content to read together with your child and talk about what it means. Throughout this content are questions to help cultivate a deeper discussion with your child. Take as much time as you need to go over this with them, and we pray that you will have a great conversation about this sacred experience together!
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is often described as a visible sign of God's invisible grace. Think about a sign you may see hanging on the side of a business in town. Why do these sign matter? What does it tell us about that place? How is it helpful for other people? This is like baptism. It is something we do that everyone sees, but it points us to the bigger story of God's grace that he has given to each one of us through Jesus.
Baptism is a sign that God has cleansed you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "So what are you waiting for? Get up and call on his name. Be baptized. Have your sins washed away.” What do you think sin is? Sin is all thoughts, words, or actions that go against God's plan for us. When we are baptized, it's important to recognize that the water does not wash your sin away. Rather, it is God who washes your sin when you put your faith in Jesus. The water simply represents that washing. Do you believe God has washed your sins away?
Baptism is a sign of your faith in Jesus and a way of showing everybody else that you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus). Romans 6:4 says, “By being baptized, we were buried with Christ into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we also can live a new life." Do you believe God raised Jesus from the grave to save us? When we go under the water, it represents both Jesus going into the grave and God putting your sin to death. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising back to life and God raising you to new life, free from slavery to sin. Have you put your faith in Jesus as your Savior?
Baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and welcomed into the family of God (the Church). 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink.” All of us, young and old are in the same family, baptized by the same Spirit, into the same faith. Baptism shows that we all belong to the family of God. Do you see yourself as a child of God and a part of our Church family? Why do you want to be baptized?
METHODS OF BAPTISM
While we prefer immersion (going all the way under water), there are other methods for baptism including sprinkling or pouring. Since baptism is not the means of salvation (faith is the means of salvation) nor is water the active agent in the cleansing of our sin (it is God who cleanses us of our sin through faith); the method of how one is baptized is not as significant.
READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If your child is ready to be baptized, fill out the form linked below and you will be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions you may have and to help you be ready for the day of your child's baptism. If you feel your child is not ready for baptism, that is okay! This is a sacred experience that we do not want to rush. We encourage you to continue having these conversations regarding faith and baptism with them until they are ready.
INFANT BAPTISMS
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is often described as a visible sign of God's invisible grace, cleansing you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” It’s not the water that washes your sin away. It’s God who washes your sin when you put your faith in Jesus. The water signifies that washing.
Baptism is also a sign of your faith in Jesus and a way of showing everybody else that you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus). 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” All of us, young and old are in the same family, baptized by the same Spirit, into the same faith. Baptism shows that we all belong to God’s family.
Lastly, baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and welcomed into the family of God (the Church). Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Going under the water represents both Jesus dying and going into the grave and God putting your sin to death. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising back to life and God raising you to new life, free from slavery to sin.
To sum up, baptism is not HOW you get saved, it shows that you ARE saved. Baptism doesn’t get you INTO heaven, it shows that you’re a child OF heaven. Baptism isn’t just about what you’re doing, it’s more about what God has done and is doing in you. When we are baptized, we are marked with the sign that we belong to Jesus.
METHODS OF BAPTISM
While we prefer immersion (going all the way under water), there are other methods for baptism including sprinkling or pouring. Since baptism is not the means of salvation (faith is the means of salvation) nor is water the active agent in the cleansing of our sin (it is God who cleanses us of our sin through faith); the method of how one is baptized is not as significant.
INFANT BAPTISMS
Our study of the Scriptures leads us to understand that baptism is not simply the public proclamation of our faith in Jesus Christ with the emphasis on what we're doing (publicly proclaiming). Our study of baptism in scripture reveals a few observations.
First, for the adults of the New Testament, baptism followed their faith. However, for the infants of households that were baptized together (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Corinthians 1:16; see also possibly Acts 10:47-48), baptism would have preceded their child’s faith. Baptism in the New Testament serves as the mark of belonging among God's people in the same way that circumcision (which occurred when an infant was 8 days old) served as the mark of God's people in the Old Testament (Colossians 2:11-12).
Second, for the adults in the New Testament, baptism pointed backward to the moment they put their trust in Jesus and received God's grace by faith. For any infants in those New Testament households that were baptized, that mark would have pointed forward to the moment they put their trust in Jesus and received God's grace by faith.
READY TO BAPTIZE YOUR CHILD?
When an infant is baptized in our community, they are welcomed into the family of God and are raised by the family of God knowing Christ as their Savior until they choose to either confirm that faith or reject that faith. The freedom to choose baptism for your child is up to the parents. If you would like your infant child to be baptized, fill out the form linked below and you will be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions you may have and to help you be ready for that day.
Baptism is often described as a visible sign of God's invisible grace, cleansing you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” It’s not the water that washes your sin away. It’s God who washes your sin when you put your faith in Jesus. The water signifies that washing.
Baptism is also a sign of your faith in Jesus and a way of showing everybody else that you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus). 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” All of us, young and old are in the same family, baptized by the same Spirit, into the same faith. Baptism shows that we all belong to God’s family.
Lastly, baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and welcomed into the family of God (the Church). Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Going under the water represents both Jesus dying and going into the grave and God putting your sin to death. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising back to life and God raising you to new life, free from slavery to sin.
To sum up, baptism is not HOW you get saved, it shows that you ARE saved. Baptism doesn’t get you INTO heaven, it shows that you’re a child OF heaven. Baptism isn’t just about what you’re doing, it’s more about what God has done and is doing in you. When we are baptized, we are marked with the sign that we belong to Jesus.
METHODS OF BAPTISM
While we prefer immersion (going all the way under water), there are other methods for baptism including sprinkling or pouring. Since baptism is not the means of salvation (faith is the means of salvation) nor is water the active agent in the cleansing of our sin (it is God who cleanses us of our sin through faith); the method of how one is baptized is not as significant.
INFANT BAPTISMS
Our study of the Scriptures leads us to understand that baptism is not simply the public proclamation of our faith in Jesus Christ with the emphasis on what we're doing (publicly proclaiming). Our study of baptism in scripture reveals a few observations.
First, for the adults of the New Testament, baptism followed their faith. However, for the infants of households that were baptized together (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Corinthians 1:16; see also possibly Acts 10:47-48), baptism would have preceded their child’s faith. Baptism in the New Testament serves as the mark of belonging among God's people in the same way that circumcision (which occurred when an infant was 8 days old) served as the mark of God's people in the Old Testament (Colossians 2:11-12).
Second, for the adults in the New Testament, baptism pointed backward to the moment they put their trust in Jesus and received God's grace by faith. For any infants in those New Testament households that were baptized, that mark would have pointed forward to the moment they put their trust in Jesus and received God's grace by faith.
READY TO BAPTIZE YOUR CHILD?
When an infant is baptized in our community, they are welcomed into the family of God and are raised by the family of God knowing Christ as their Savior until they choose to either confirm that faith or reject that faith. The freedom to choose baptism for your child is up to the parents. If you would like your infant child to be baptized, fill out the form linked below and you will be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions you may have and to help you be ready for that day.
INFANT DEDICATIONS
INFANT DEDICATIONS
This service of dedicating a baby is rooted in the biblical celebration of the blessing of birth and life. It recalls Jesus’ blessing of the children as a sign of the kingdom of God (Mark 10:13-16). It proclaims the message of God’s saving deeds in Christ for all, including children.
Dedicating your baby is a special celebration for those parents who want to have this blessing of God be upon their child, but believe that baptism is to be reserved for those who make a conscious choice in confession of faith. Grateful for the gift of a child (Psalm 127:3), the parents are accepting their responsibility of nurturing the child, filling their home with the love and grace of God and naturally seeking God’s help and wisdom.
When God has blessed us with the precious gift of a child, it seems right to respond to God with thankfulness and a fresh commitment. The emphasis in the baby dedication is on the personal pledge of parents to raise them in a way that is pleasing to God. This baby dedication is an indication of the parent’s desire for their child to one day make that personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. Parents who dedicate their child look forward to the day when the child hears the word, repents, believes and is baptized.
READY TO DEDICATE YOUR CHILD?
In bringing your child to the community of faith to be dedicated, you are acknowledging your desire and the child’s need for the gathered church to help children come to faith and to grow in faith throughout their lives. During this service the community of faith also commits to the responsibility of care for and nurturing both the child and the parents in deepening faith in Jesus Christ. The freedom to choose dedication for your baby is up to the parents. If you would like your infant child to be dedicated, fill out the form linked below and you will be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions you may have and to help you be ready for that day.
This service of dedicating a baby is rooted in the biblical celebration of the blessing of birth and life. It recalls Jesus’ blessing of the children as a sign of the kingdom of God (Mark 10:13-16). It proclaims the message of God’s saving deeds in Christ for all, including children.
Dedicating your baby is a special celebration for those parents who want to have this blessing of God be upon their child, but believe that baptism is to be reserved for those who make a conscious choice in confession of faith. Grateful for the gift of a child (Psalm 127:3), the parents are accepting their responsibility of nurturing the child, filling their home with the love and grace of God and naturally seeking God’s help and wisdom.
When God has blessed us with the precious gift of a child, it seems right to respond to God with thankfulness and a fresh commitment. The emphasis in the baby dedication is on the personal pledge of parents to raise them in a way that is pleasing to God. This baby dedication is an indication of the parent’s desire for their child to one day make that personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. Parents who dedicate their child look forward to the day when the child hears the word, repents, believes and is baptized.
READY TO DEDICATE YOUR CHILD?
In bringing your child to the community of faith to be dedicated, you are acknowledging your desire and the child’s need for the gathered church to help children come to faith and to grow in faith throughout their lives. During this service the community of faith also commits to the responsibility of care for and nurturing both the child and the parents in deepening faith in Jesus Christ. The freedom to choose dedication for your baby is up to the parents. If you would like your infant child to be dedicated, fill out the form linked below and you will be contacted by one of our pastors to explore any questions you may have and to help you be ready for that day.