Have you ever thought about baptism? Maybe for yourself, or for a precious child in your life? Baptism is a beautiful way to celebrate God's incredible love and welcome new members into our Church family.
At its heart, baptism is about God's amazing grace. This grace is a gift, offered freely to everyone, regardless of age. Whether you're an adult making a conscious decision to follow Jesus, or a little one brought by loving parents, baptism is a symbol of God's love washing over you.
For Families with Infants:
Many families choose to baptize their children when they're young. It's a way of saying, "We want to raise our child in the love of Jesus," and a chance to become part of our supportive Church community. The Bible, in Acts 2:38-41 and 16:15,33, offers some glimpses into this practice.
We believe God prepares a path for us even before we know it, a concept called "prevenient grace." Baptism for an infant is a way of acknowledging this – that we all depend entirely on God's love and grace from the very beginning. The Church surrounds these little ones with love and becomes a source of God's grace in their lives.
Just like any gift, baptism needs to be nurtured. This means raising your child in a loving Christian home and being part of the Church family. If you're not quite ready for that step, or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're here to walk alongside you on your faith journey, whenever you feel called.
God's Love Extends to All Ages:
The Church family believes that everyone deserves God's forgiveness and love, including children. Baptism welcomes them into a new life in Christ, as precious children of God. They become part of our congregation, receiving ongoing love and support as they grow in their faith.
The United Methodist Church encourages infant baptism because we believe it's a beautiful expression of God's love for all. While your commitment to raising your child in faith is important, baptism is ultimately a gift of God's grace. It's God working through the Church to welcome a new member into our loving family.
We Understand Every Family is Different:
We respect parents who choose to wait to baptize their children. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. If you have questions about baptism, believer's baptism (adult baptism), or anything else on your mind, please don't hesitate to ask! We're here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment