Baptism

Yes, we are always excited to welcome children and adults into our church family through baptism.

Please contact the Church Office here and arrange to speak to our minister, Rev. Nicholas Forrester, to find out more information.

Please read below for more information on what is involved in baptism.

Scriptural/Theological Citations to Support the Observance of the Sacrament of Baptism at Erindale United Church     

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

“Before conscious thought or action on our part,
we are born into the brokenness of this world.
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
             we are surrounded by God’s redeeming love.
Baptism by water in the name of the Holy Trinity
             is the means by which we are received, at any age,
             into the covenanted community of the church.
             It is the ritual that signifies our rebirth in faith
             and cleansing by the power of God.
Baptism signifies the nurturing, sustaining,
             and transforming power of God’s love
             and our grateful response to that grace.”    from A Song of Faith

Preamble
The sacrament of baptism affirms and celebrates God’s grace and love for God’s people at all times. It is the beginning of a covenant (a holy promise) between God, the person or the parents of the child being baptised and the Christian community. Baptism also signifies a visible promise to live and grow spiritually in communion with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Therefore, in deference to Christ’s example, coupled with the established protocols of the United Church of Canada, Erindale United Church offers below some guidelines for those seeking baptism at Erindale. These guidelines reflect who we are as a people of God (caring, inclusive, non-judgemental) prayerfully responding to the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Guidelines for Baptism
  As a congregation within the United Church of Canada, Erindale United recognizes all baptisms with water using the Trinitarian formula (i.e., baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) formula regardless of the denomination in which they were performed.

• All requests for baptism will be respectfully considered.
• In the case of infant or child baptism, Erindale will make no distinction regarding the parents’/guardians’ marital status, sexual orientation, religious or Christian denominational background.
• It is a sacrament open to all, from infants to adults.
• Baptism should be conducted throughout the church year with scheduling determined by the minister and the worship committee.
• Baptism shall be incorporated into regular worship services. In the case of unusual circumstances, the minister has discretion to waive this practice.
• Those presenting children or infants for baptism will attend a preparatory session prior to baptism and be in attendance on the day of baptism. Families are also strongly encouraged to attend worship at least twice before the baptism in order to have a better understanding of the Erindale United congregation, and to continue worshipping with us following the baptism. It is expected that the parents/guardians/sponsors be committed to support the baptized person on their faith journey.
• A member of the worship committee will participate in both the preparatory session and the service of baptism in order to act as a liaison between the family and the congregation. Families who are less familiar with the church may also request a sponsor to support them through baptism and their growing involvement with the church.
• Any adult seeking baptism shall consult with the minister about appropriate preparation for baptism and membership in the church.
• Because the assembled congregation at a baptism pledges to support the person being baptized on their faith journey, requests from persons outside the geographical boundaries of Erindale should be realistically assessed by the minister and the worship committee in consultation with the applicant. Appropriate recommendations and help should be offered to the applicant.
  

   Exceptions to these guidelines are at the discretion of the minister and the worship committee.

Procedures

• Request for baptism is made to the minister.
• The minister will meet or consult over the phone with the applicants to ensure their understanding of baptism aligns with Erindale United’s theology and practices.
• The applicant will be given a copy of Erindale’s baptismal policy.
• The church office will arrange the collection and storage of appropriate documents.
• The minister will arrange the preparatory and educational sessions required for baptism with the applicants. Attendance at these sessions is a requirement for baptism.
• Erindale will present a gift of a baptismal candle along with a baptismal certificate to all baptized individuals or their parents.
• Minister will inform the church Council of upcoming baptisms.