BaptismA person is welcomed into the church, the body of Christ, through the sacrament of baptism. The water, words, and actions of the sacrament are visible signs that convey the each Christian's fulfillment of the ritual that Jesus Christ modeled for us with John at the Jordan River. We invite you to explore baptism by contacting one of the pastors of Casas Adobes Congregational UCC.
Baptism is both God’s gift and our human response to that gift. It is a sign and seal of our common experience and shared discipleship. Through baptism, Christians are symbolically brought into union with the living Christ, with each other and with the church of every time and place. In the United Church of Christ, people are baptized either as children or adults. Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the ritual of inclusion and welcome into the care of the community of faith, the sign and seal of our participation in God’s forgiveness, and notes the promise of new growth into a deeper and wider experience of Christian faith and life.
When an infant or young child is baptized, one or both parents (and one or more sponsors) promise to assume certain responsibilities for the Christian nurture of the baptized child. Although it is not necessary to be a member of Casas Adobes Congregational UCC, one of the parents or sponsors should be a member in good standing of a Christian church. Those who are baptized at an early age are given an opportunity in their youth or adulthood to make a personal profession of faith through confirmation or affirmation of baptism. Parents, in consultation with the pastor, may choose sponsors for infants and young children who are to be baptized. Other candidates for baptism may also be given this opportunity to have sponsors. Sponsors make promises identical to the promises of the parents concerning their role.
Baptism is not only a personal celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their families, but also a central celebration in the life of the local congregation which embodies the universal church in a particular place. Covenant promises are not only made by parents and sponsors, they are made by the gathered congregation as well. For this reason, baptism should preferably take place in the presence of the community of faith gathered for public worship. Please feel most encouraged to contact us if we can help you as you consider and plan for baptism whether it is for you or for your young child. Casas Adobes UCC is most pleased to keep covenant with God and with you in this wonderful celebration and sacrament.
