Baptism Policy

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We are happy that you wish to be baptized (or to have your child baptized) in our Church. 

The First Congregational Church of Dunbarton holds Baptism and Holy Communion as the sacraments of the Church.  We affirm both infant and adult baptisms.

 In Baptism you establish a covenant with God and a local community of faith.  Baptism is a sacrament of the gathered church, and therefore is celebrated as the church gathers for worship.  You, as an individual, or as a parent, must consider how you will be involved in the Church, as you plan on being faithful, honest and true to the promises that you will make when you or your child are baptized.

 In the sacrament of baptism you will affirm:

•      Your belief in Jesus Christ.

•      Your willingness to renounce the powers of evil and seek the freedom of new life in Christ.

•      That you will learn (or teach your child) to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ.

 It is important that you prayerfully consider these vows now, because you as a parent, or as an individual, should not affirm these responsibilities unless you are truly planning to be involved, by worship, service and devotion, to the local community of faith.

The Board of Deacons has established the following policies

and guidelines concerning baptisms:

 Presiding Clergy:

The presiding Pastor of the Dunbarton Congregational Church performs all baptisms in our church.  If there is a family member or friend who is an ordained clergy person whom you wish to have assist with the baptism, that individual must write or call the pastor and negotiate that involvement at least 30 days prior to the baptism.

Pre-Baptism Sessions:

Any individual wishing to be baptized, or parents who wish to have their child baptized, must meet with the pastor for the purpose of discussing the meaning of a baptism and planning the baptism.  This session can be arranged at mutually convenient time.  The pastor retains the right to refuse to perform a baptism.

The Right of Baptism:

We administer the right of baptism by anointing the individual’s head with water from the baptismal font.  It is the tradition of our church that baptisms take place in the sanctuary during our weekly worship service.[1]  If the individual is a child, it is the custom of the church for the pastor to carry/lead the child around the sanctuary so they can be greeted by the congregation.

Photography:

Please recognize the atmosphere of worship, and do not take any photographs during the administration of the sacrament.  The Pastor will be available for pictures following the worship service. 

Again, thank you for your interest in our church!

Adopted by the Board of Deacons:   August 2004

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