Metropolitan United Church - Arrange Baptism

What is baptism?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:47:22 -0500

Baptism is a sacramental seal acknowledging our welcome into and acceptance of Christian life. In the United Church of Canada, baptism is one of the two sacraments that we celebrate, along with Holy Communion. At Metropolitan United Church, we baptize any who come to us seeking this sacrament, regardless of church association.

Baptism is not a requirement for God's love. We believe people who die without baptism are in no way condemned, lost, or damned.

How do I go about arranging a baptism?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:46:11 -0500

If you're interested in holding a baptism at Metropolitan United Church, you will need to have a meeting with one of our ministers. They will review the significance of baptism for your child (or for yourself). Through baptism, a person is welcomed into the Christian faith and develops a relationship with a Faith Community. Baptism can hold tremendous significance for the parent as well. If you are new to Met, we hope that you will find this to be a time filled with potential for you to discover a relationship with the Met community.

Do I have to be a member of Metropolitan United Church or the United Church of Canada to have a baptism there?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:40:46 -0500

No, you do not need to be a member of Metropolitan United Church to have a baptismal service.

Do both my partner and I have to be practicing Christians to have our child baptized at Metropolitan?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:39:11 -0500

No. Both parents do not have to be practicing Christians to have your child baptized at Metropolitan.

You may also want to consider the option of a Celebration of Birth, which is almost the same as a baptism without the trinitarian formula. This rite of passage enables a family who may blend Christianity with another faith tradition to bring a blessing to their newborn without compromising the belief system of either parent.

Is there a charge for the baptismal ceremony?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:00:28 -0500

No. There is no cost for the baptismal ceremony.

What should I expect during the baptism ceremony?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:54:09 -0500

Baptisms normally take place during our regular Sunday 11 a.m. service, witnessed by our full congregation. This is important, because during the ceremony, the congregation makes a promise to the person being baptised to support that person in his or her spiritual growth. The ceremony takes about 5-7 minutes, and includes:

Welcoming to the front of the church during a worship service
Pouring and blessing of the water
Asking of three questions of faith
Anointing with water.
Prayer for the newly baptized
Presentation to the Congregation

The person being baptized will receive a Baptismal Certificate to mark the celebration and it will be recorded in our Baptismal Registry

May I invite my family and friends to the baptism? How many?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:43:41 -0500

You can invite as many people as you like to the celebration of baptism. Our sanctuary seats 800 people.

Do you have a space for a reception following the baptism?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:35:36 -0500

Yes. We have a newly designed space called the Metropolitan Centre that is available for your reception, with full kitchen/catering facilities as well as tables and chairs.

Do you perform baptisms for adults?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:33:28 -0500

As a Reformed Church, our tradition generally revolves around baptizing infants, but we do welcome adults to engage in the sacrament of baptism if they have never been baptized. First, you should consult with one of the ministry team to discuss the meaning of baptism, and a date for the celebration will be determined at that time.

My partner and I are same-gender. Any problems baptizing our child?

Andrew Clarke — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:31:23 -0500

No problem at all. Metropolitan United is an affirming church and we welcome all people regardless of their sexual orientation, or of their social, cultural and economic background.