Connecting to the family of Christ!

Baptism, like Holy Communion, is a sacrament (sacred moments and church rituals using visible signs that point to the invisible grace and love of God), instituted and commanded by Christ for His followers and the Church.  The United Methodist ”Book of Worship” adds,

           “Through the sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church, incorporated into God’s mighty act of salvation, and given new birth through water and the Spirit.  All of this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.”

Because this great gift of God’s love is offered to all, the United Methodist practice is to make baptism available and open to all, regardless of age. Through baptism, all are welcomed into Christ’s family, the Church, with the acknowledgment of God’s great promise of love.

All candidates for baptism respond to ages-old questions, professing the desire to follow the way of Jesus Christ, repenting sin and seeking a new life. In addition, parents who present an infant for baptism are asked, “Will you nurture this child in Christ’s holy church through your teaching and example?”

Do United Methodist baptize infants?

We join with the majority of Christian churches around the world that celebrate infant baptism, remembering that baptism is an outward expression of God’s grace, offered to all.

How do United Methodists baptize?

The sacrament of baptism in the United Methodist Church is practiced in three modes:  sprinkling, pouring, or total immersion.

At Shawnee, baptism is demonstrated by sprinkling, a series of three passes of blessed water over the head, signifying the presence of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, with the sign of the cross, drawn on the forehead with blessed oil.

I’ve been baptized in another church; must I be baptized again to join Shawnee UMC?

Because baptism is God’s gift to the Church universal, we recognize baptisms of other Christian faiths; therefore, you are not baptized again to become a church member here. Baptism is a once in a lifetime sacrament.

I was baptized as an infant, but I have recently come to a new understanding and want to make a public profession of Jesus Christ.

For those who are baptized once, a ritual known as “renewing your baptism” may be practiced in Sunday morning worship. However, like a first baptism, it should be scheduled in consultation with the senior pastor by contacting the church office.

Are you considering Baptism?

If you are considering baptism for yourself or your child as a step toward membership at Shawnee United Methodist Church, please contact our church office and asked to be put in touch with our senior pastor, Rev. Lucinda Holmes. Next steps include setting a pre-baptismal counseling time with her, and setting a date for your or your child’s baptism.  While baptism can be conducted at any of the Sunday morning services, it is typically scheduled one or more months in advance.