Baptismal Service
	
(This is done at the beginning of the service following announcements and opening hymn)

Order of Worship

PROCLAMATION OF OUR FAITH…
ALL:		I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
		I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, our Lord,
		who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
		suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
		he descended into hell.
		On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
		he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
		and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
		I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of 		saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life 	
		everlasting.  Amen.

Congregation may be seated

THE BAPTISM…The child being baptized, sponsors, and family come forward
Pastor: 	Holy baptism is God’s gift to us.  In this Sacrament we are welcomed into the body of Christ – the church.  We become part of the family of God.  God will take water and add to it the power of the Word of God.  Baptism is a rebirth, a new life in Christ.  Let us read the words of Jesus together: John 11:35…John 3:5…Matthew 28:19-20
ALL:	I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
	…I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.  
	…Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
THE ORDER FOR HOLY BAPTISM
Pastor:	Today you are responding to the command of Jesus and the love of God.  Baptism is a beautiful picture of the grace of God and we rejoice with you on this special day.  I ask you, parents and sponsors: Will you faithfully bring child’s name to worship; teach him/her the Lord’s Prayer, the Creeds, and the Ten Commandments; place in his/her hands the Holy Scriptures; and provide for his/her instruction in the Christian faith?  If so, say, “we will.”
Parents and Sponsors: We will!
Pastor:	Do you believe in the words of the creed we just confessed?  If so, say, “we do.”
Parents and Sponsors: We do!
Pastor:	Martin Luther says, “Baptism is not water only, but it is water used together with God’s word and by God’s command.”  God has rescued us through this washing and cleansing which gives us new birth and life.  Please present this child of God for Holy Baptism.
Parents:	We present child’s name for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Pastor:	Child’s name, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked by the cross of Christ forever.  (to the other worshipers) Today we receive this child of God to be part of our Christian community.  What is your response to this new child of God?
All:	Praise God for the gift of new life.  We welcome you and promise to pray for you and show our love for you in the years to come.  We receive you as workers with us in the kingdom of God.
Congregational Representative: (to parents) Receive this lighted candle.  This candle is a symbol that Christ is the light of the world and you are to let the light of Christ shine brightly in your home always.
(to sponsors)	You who are sponsors for child’s name are making a commitment to surround him/her with your love and prayers and do all you can to help the parents raise this child in the Christian faith.  Will you pray for him/her, love him/her, teach him/her the word of God, and stand with him/her in joy and sorrow?  If so, say, “Yes with the help of God.”
Sponsors:	Yes, with the help of God.
Pastor:	Let us pray.  God, you make light to shine in the darkness.  You allow new life to spring out of old.  We are thankful that you accept child’s name into the body of Christ.  We are grateful for the gift of grace which accepts us as we are.  May child’s name, grow in faith and always know he/she is part of your family and you are his/her loving God.  May each of us know the joy of abundant life in Christ and remember this special day when water joined the Word and touched our spirits.  Amen.  Go in peace and serve the Lord.

Baptismal Hymn		“You are God’s Child” by John Horman		Jan Lane