Jesus gave us the gift of baptism when He said to the apostles: "Go, make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:9-20). In the early Christian church adults and families were baptized into Christ as God called them to faith by the Gospel. Baptism is a new beginning, a new birth given to us by God in the forgiveness of our sins.
What Is Baptism? Luther's Small Catechism provides a very simple summary of the Biblical teaching of Baptism: "Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God' command and combined with God's word."
We believe that baptism is a miracle in which God seals our adoption into God's family by faith. It is important that we also plan for the ongoing instruction in the Christian faith as Jesus said to "baptize... teaching them."
Who May be Baptized? Adults are normally baptized after receiving instructions in the Christian faith. Children and infants are baptized with the commitment by parents and sponsors to continue to teach them the Christian faith.
What about Sponsors? Sponsors may be chosen to assist parents in raising their children in the Christian faith. Sponsors serve as witnesses to the baptism and to pray for and encourage the children in their Christian life. It is important that the sponsor is a confessing Christian who shares our Lutheran beliefs about this Sacrament and one who will serve as a faithful example to the child.
If you would like to schedule a baptism, please contact Pastor by calling the church office.