The waters of the flood recorded in Genesis 6 “…symbolize baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angles, authorities and powers in submission to Him.”
Philippians 3:21-22
A THOUGHT OR TWO
I am so excited that you are thinking about baptism! It is so much more than a rite or ritual, it is a means through which the Lord of heaven and earth claims us as His own, forgives us our sins, and deposits His Holy Spirit in our hearts. Baptism is God’s way of calling us from this world’s darkness into His marvelous light. For those, and for many other Biblically profound reasons, Lutherans encourage baptism to happen as soon as possible. Some delays are beyond our control, but whenever possible, receiving the grace of God and being robed in His righteousness should be our first thoughts when considering when to schedule a baptism at Living Water.
…in Him!
Pastor Kevin Wyssmann
PLANNING A BAPTISM for a NEWBORN
Thoughts about services dates and times should be discussed long before your reach the labor and delivery room. Conversations with potential godparents, sponsors or witnesses, thoughts about particular service times, and, if you are so inclined, the choosing of a “Christian” name are a few of the items you will want to prayerfully consider as soon as you know a child is on the way.
PLANNING AN ADULT BAPTISM
In the book of Acts, after being instructed in the faith, an Ethiopian was moved by the Spirit to ask Philip if he could be baptized. The stopped, went down to the water and the man was baptized Acts 8:26-28. Amazing! It is never too late to receive the grace and mercy of our almighty God. The pastor will offer some instruction, and a date will be set for the baptism. It’s just that simple.
SERVICE TIMES
Living Water Lutheran celebrates communion every Sunday. In order to avoid extending the service times and causing time-crunches with other regularly scheduled congregational functions, we will dispense with communion on those Sundays when a baptism has been requested. Seasonally, Lent and Advent also offer the option of scheduling a baptism on Wednesdays as well. High Festival services such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter) are not encouraged due to the length of those services and the number of people who are usually in attendance.
CHOOSING GODPARENTS, SPONSORS or WITNESSES
Scripture says a great deal about baptism and absolutely nothing about the choosing of godparents. It seems the practice of selecting godparent developed during the middle ages as a way of caring for orphans. Over the years the Christian Church as developed a robust “job description” for godparents. Although they do not have to be active members of our Church, they must be active Christians who confess the importance of baptism. In addition to that expectation, a godparent must be ready to commit to praying for your child faithfully, seeing that he/she is brought into the services of God’s house, actively engaged in their Christians instruction, ready to place the Holy Scriptures into your child’s hands, eager to remind them of the power and importance of baptism in their life and open to providing counsel and aid especially if they should lose their parents Lutheran Worship pg.200 #6. All of these things are included in the job description so that each child is actively and intentionally encouraged to grow up to lead a godly life to the praise and honor of Jesus Christ. The expectations listed above will help you identify who may be better choices to approach with the invitation to be our child’s godparent. The number of godparents you select can be as few as one or as many as your heart desires. Most baptismal certificates have room for at least four (4) names.
Active Christians who do not meet the job description outlined above, may be asked to serve as witnesses as a way of honoring their importance to you and your family but they will not be obligated before God and the parish to any of the expectations list above.
THE CHRISTINING: CHOOSING OF A CHRISTIAN NAME
The naming of a child in the context of God’s grace and mercy is very Biblical. The first recorded instance of this occurred when the Lord choose Abram and Sarai to be His covenant couple. He changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, Simon’s name to Peter and Saul’s to Paul. When asked “How is this child to be named” parents have an unique opportunity to provide their child a name that is associated only with the grace of God. Typically, the chosen name becomes a second middle name. If you wish to include a uniquely baptismal name, be encouraged to choose between names that are listed in Bible. Some may prefer one of the fruit of the spirit such as grace, mercy and patience for examples. If you should have questions, please do not hesitate to consult with our pastor on this or any other issue regarding baptism.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Baptism is a sacred moment. It is also a significant milestone in the life of a believer. If the family would like pictures to be taken please be encouraged to be reverent and discrete. You may also request that additional pictures be taken following the service. Share any specific requests with the pastor before the service so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
PRIVATE BAPTISMS
Baptism is a public declaration of God’s inclusion of a person into His family (the Church). As such, baptisms will normally be held during the gathering of the parish family in worship. Private baptisms may be requested when the life of the mother or the life of the child requires special consideration.
BAPTISMAL ORIENTATION
The pastor will schedule a 30-45 minute orientation with the family and godparents prior to the scheduled time of the baptism. During the orientation details regarding the services, an examination of the expectations of the godparents, and a review of the Biblical reasons for why we do baptisms will be explored. It is typical that this orientation will happen the day before the baptism but can be scheduled at any time prior to the service that works for everyone involved.
HOSPITAL BAPTISMS
It is not unusual for parents to want to gift their child with the grace of God before ever leaving the hospital. If the family should desire to have such a baptism, please make arrangements with the pastor ahead of time. A celebration of that baptism will be scheduled for a later date when the congregation is gathered for regular worship.
MULTIPLE BAPTISMS
Although it rarely happens, be aware of the possibility that more than one family may be requesting the same date and service for a baptism. We cannot guarantee that your date will not be shared with other families who also desire to experience the benefits and blessings of baptism.
HONORARIUM
It is an honor to participate in a miracle that God does in and through the waters of baptism. Absolutely no honorarium is expected for those who officiate or assist in the service. We see this as a core and essential service the church is mandated in Scripture to provide Matthew 18:18-20 and are blessed to be a part of your special day.
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