baptism

Baptism has been a practice of the Christian fellowship since its earliest days. Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized. His baptism marked the beginning of his ministry. When the church began its ministry of preaching on the day of Pentecost, the Apostles called upon those who believed in Jesus to "repent and be baptized." From that time on baptism has been the accepted sign of entrance into the Christian life and fellowship.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognized in The United Methodist Church (the other is Holy Communion).  Baptism is a sign of "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ." Grace means unmerited, unearned favor; it means freely given love. The fundamental truth of the Gospel is that God loved us first. 

Baptism is also the act of entrance into the Christian fellowship. By baptism we are initiated into Christ's Holy Church and marked as disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Youth and adults may receive Christian baptism after meeting with the Senior Pastor. An infant's baptism usually takes place when the child is about three months old, but any age is acceptable. Soon after the birth or adoption of a child, parents are encouraged to be in touch with the Senior Pastor to schedule the child's baptism. 

All baptisms are celebrated during our in-person worship service on Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. In general, baptisms are not scheduled on Communion Sundays, Easter Sunday, or other services when the sacrament itself would not be able to receive the importance it deserves. 

For more informatiom about baptism, please contact Rev. Harriet Bryan (harriet@madisonstreetumc.org).