BAPTISMPresentation of the CandidatesThe minister addresses the whole congregation Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome these children/candidates and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will. At the baptism of children, the minister then says to the parents and godparents Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will. In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
With the help of God, we will. The DecisionThe minister addresses the candidates directly, or through their parents and godparents In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask: Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them. Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them. Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them. Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ. Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ. Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ. Signing with the CrossThe minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate, saying Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross. Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified. Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life. May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen. Prayer over the WaterPraise God who made heaven and earth,
who keeps his promise for ever. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise. Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ was baptized in the river Jordan, we thank you for the gift of water to cleanse us and revive us. We thank you that through the waters of the Red Sea you led your people out of slavery to freedom in the Promised Land. We thank you that through the deep waters of death you brought your Son, and raised him to life in triumph. Bless this water, that your servants who are washed in it may be made one with Christ in his death and in his resurrection, to be cleansed and delivered from all sin. Send your Holy Spirit upon them, bring them to new birth in the household of faith and raise them with Christ to full and eternal life; for all might, majesty, authority and power are yours, now and for ever. Amen. Profession of FaithThe minister says Let us affirm, together with these who are being baptized, our common faith in Jesus Christ. Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?
I believe and trust in him. Do you believe and trust in God the Son,
who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?
I believe and trust in him. Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world?
I believe and trust in him. This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. BaptismThe minister dips each candidate in water, or pours water on them, saying N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen. The WelcomeThere is one Lord, one faith, one baptism:
N, by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.
We welcome you into the fellowship of faith;
we are children of the same heavenly Father;
we welcome you. Giving of a Lighted CandleGod has delivered us from the dominion of darkness
and has given us a place with the saints in light. You have received the light of Christ;
walk in this light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world
to the glory of God the Father. |