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United Methodist believe in baptism by either sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Baptism is one of two sacraments of our church. Through baptism, God acts in a dramatic way to welcome infants and children into His church and to receive believers into His kingdom. Baptism means many things to different people. Yet, one thing is certain: it is something God does. Baptism is not what the church or the pastor does. It celebrates the fact that God is placing his seal of love on that child and welcomes him into the family of God. It is a permanent spiritual birthmark. Infant baptism reminds us that both the parents and the church are making holy promises to raise the child as a Christian in the church.
We believe in the baptism of both infants and believers. If you as a parent would prefer not to have your child baptized, but instead wait so that he/she can make the decision for himself/herself, that is OK! We would rather a family wait than take part in a service with which they are not entirely comfortable. Because we believe so strongly that God acts in baptism, we discourage re-baptism. In other words, we do not re-do what God has already done.
Acts 2:38 declares: Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. “This is at the heart of believer baptism. In a symbolic sense, the water of baptism washes away the stain of sin and cleanses us from our old way and past sins. Romans 6:3-5 tells us when a person gives his heart and life to Jesus and is baptized, he or she “dies” to self and rises again to new life in Christ.
If you wish to discuss baptism further, please contact one of our pastors.
When infants are baptized here at Bridgeport UMC, our quilters group presents a homemade quilt (for infants under the age of one) to the family as a symbol of our love and commitment to nurture that child in faith.
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