Vows & Liturgy used at Baptims
Statement of Purpose: The sacrament of baptism is the one right of initiation into membership in the Christian Church. We are united with Christ, united with one another and the Christian community of every time and place; We are called as disciples of Christ to Christ’s ministry of love, peace, and justice, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit for the work of the church in the world. During this sacrament we all recommit ourselves to this calling.
Promises of Parents: Will you accept the responsibility of acting and speaking on your child’s behalf? Will you endeavor to show your child the Christian life and to grow with your child in faith? “I will, God being my helper.”
Will you join with this community of faith to celebrate God’s presence, live with respect in creation, and love and serve others? “I will, God being my helper.”
If needed ~ Promises of Godparents: Will you grow in faith with this child, trusting that, “you are not alone, and that you live in God’s world”? "I will, God being my helper."
Profession of Faith: Do you believe in God and in God’s unconditional love as revealed in Jesus Christ? “Yes, I do!”
Will you seek justice and resist evil? “I will, by the grace of God.”
Will you follow Jesus in both your words and deeds? “Yes, with God being my helper.”
Congregational Commitment: By the grace of God, will you, the members of the Woodlawn United Church, commit to support and nurture (insert names), within a community which worships God, resists evil and seeks justice? "We will, God being our helper"
Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Pouring of Water: Gracious and Holy God, we bless you for the gift of life, and, within it, the gift of water. Over its unshaped promise your Spirit hovered at creation. By water, comes the growth of the earth. Through water, you led the children of Israel to freedom. In the waters of the Jordan your child Jesus was baptized. Now may your Spirit be upon us and what we do. May this water be a sign of new life in Christ for all, in whose name we pray. Amen.
The Act of Baptism: What is name of your child? (Insert name), I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Marking with the Sign of the Cross With Water: (Insert name), with the sign of the cross, you are marked as Christ’s forever. Amen.
Blessing: (Insert name), may the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you today and always. Amen
Presentation of Symbols: Lighting of a Candle (Insert name), having lit this baptismal candle from the Christ Candle, we hope that you will let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works, and give glory to God. Amen
Bible: (Insert name), receive this book, our Holy Scriptures, and hear what the Spirit is saying to you and to the church. Amen
Prayer Shawl: (Insert name), we wrap you in this shawl. The person who made it, prayed during each stitch. May it remind you that you are never alone. You are always embraced by God and Woodlawn. Amen
Congregational Welcome and Walkabout
We are a congregation of the United Church of Canada, a member of the Worldwide Council of Churches.