The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Meaning and Purpose

Within the Protestant tradition, only two sacraments are acknowledged: holy
communion and holy baptism. The gospels relate these sacraments as two
activities in which Jesus Christ participated and to which the early church gave
authority. Because these sacraments are an important part of our history and
tradition and inform who we are in relationship to God and one another today,
we believe we are charged to be good stewards of their interpretation and
practice.

Infant baptisms at Community United Church of Christ are about a covenant
between God through Jesus Christ. Our congregation represents the Christian
Church universal and surrounds the family having their child baptized. God
through Christ promises to be present and hold this family and child in holy
love.

Confession of faith baptisms are about a conscious and intentional decision to
walk the path Jesus walked in dialogue with Christian history, tradition, and
community. In this context, faith is not only about a set of beliefs but also what
those beliefs compel the baptizand to do in the world. Confession of faith
baptisms are a public sign of a pilgrimage begun.

For Christians, baptism is a public sign of a reality already present. The earliest
baptismal formula we have in the Christian Church is: "There can be neither Jew
nor Greek, there can be neither slave nor free, there can be neither male nor
female—for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3.28, NJB) Regardless of
culture or ethnic origin, social or economic status, gender or cultural position, we
recognize that God has created us connected and one in love.

Please click on the link below to download the entire baptism policy. You will need Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer. If you don't have that program, click on the link near the bottom of the page.

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