Saint Luke's Church

Being Baptized at St. Luke’s

            The Christian life begins the same way for all, through being born by Water and the Spirit.  The sign of this is the sacrament of Holy Baptism. 

What is a sacrament?

A sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace.  In other words, God uses things that we can see and touch to minister his blessings and Presence.  In baptism, God uses water to signify our rebirth and transformation as a child of  God through Jesus Christ.  We at St. Luke’s baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in obedience to Jesus’ command to baptize all nations and welcome new Christians into our community.

Why use water?

Water is a significant sign because it is necessary for life to exist.  In the scripture, water symbolizes many things:

Creation (Genesis 1:1-2)
Cleansing from uncleanness and idolatry (Ezekiel 36:25)Salvation from Destruction (1 Peter 3:20-21)
Death and Resurrection (Romans 6:3-4)
New Life and Healing (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
Rebirth (John 3:1-18)
Eternal Life (Revelation 22:1-2) 

Water in the Bible is also often closely associated with the work and Presence of the Holy Spirit.

What is required of us to be baptized?

You are required to renounce Satan, turn from your sin, and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Jesus told us that to be in his kingdom, you must be born again (John 3:3).  This is both a personal decision, and a public declaration.  Baptism is a sign to the world that you have entered into Christ’s death and resurrection, and that you will live for him.  We expect all adults to complete the Alpha Course before being baptized.

What benefits are there in being baptized?

Your sins are forgiven, you are sealed as Christ’s own forever, and you are welcomed forever into Christ’s body, the Church. You are filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live this new risen life.  You are also welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, and the spiritual benefits of the Body and Blood   of Christ.

Why do you baptize children and infants?

We believe that Jesus delights in us bringing children to him to be part of his family.   It is our hope that a child would have no memory of being outside the love of the Father.  Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not  forbid them, for to ones like these belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)  We also believe that God saves families and honors covenants, therefore we will only baptize the children of faithful Christian parents.  We ask that  parents commit to raising a child in the knowledge and love of the Lord.  We also ask for two sponsors to commit to the children as well, in the event a tragedy makes it impossible for the parents to fulfill their covenant.  The entire church will also commit to the upbringing of these children during the baptism service. 

You wonder how a child can be saved if they have never lived a sinful life.  The Bible teaches that all have been born in sin, and are separated from God.   Baptism is a sign that God will act and protect this child from the assaults of the devil, and will be free to work in a child’s life from birth.  We assume that when a child approaches adulthood they would reaffirm their baptism in the sacrament of confirmation, and take responsibility for their relationship with Christ.

Can I be baptized as an adult if I was baptized as a child?

We believe that God was faithful to the commitment he made to you when you were baptized.  We also believe that the Holy Spirit has been pursuing you to bring you to a living faith today.  We will gladly help you reaffirm publicly this  new found relationship with God, either through confirmation or reaffirmation of your baptismal vows.  We do not rebaptize adults who have been baptized earlier.

When do you baptize?

We baptize on or near a major feast of the Christian year, usually on a Saturday night.  These include:

Easter

Pentecost
All Saints Day
The Baptism of the Lord

An announcement will be made a few weeks in advance of the date of baptism.   It is recommended that you contact a priest prior to seeking baptism for you or your child.  We also require the Alpha Course prior to an adult baptism.

We encourage families who have relocated to have their children baptized in their current parish. 

How do you baptize?

We ask the candidate to make their vow of faith in Christ, and then we pray for them.  Generally we pour a small amount of water on the head of the candidate and anoint them with blessed oil.  We sometimes immerse candidates in a pool  or large body of water. 

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope  that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all, and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6