– Worship & Spiritual Life –
The service of baptism is the Church’s welcoming of the baptized into the Universal Church of Jesus Christ. In baptism, the Church reaches out with the grace that Christ provided in the gift of salvation and embraces the baptized as a new member of the body of Christ.
At North Shore Congregational Church, we rejoice in the delight of baptism. Every smile is just a bit bigger when we celebrate a baptism on Sunday morning! If you’d like to learn more about baptism in our church, see the Frequently Asked Questions below, or contact us to set up a time to meet with one of our Ministers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member?
Baptisms at North Shore Congregational Church are available to both members and non-members. As part of baptism is the congregation’s promise to help raise the child in faith, however, it is beneficial that a baptism take place at a church where the family intends to be involved in the coming years. Our Ministers will explore this question more fully, with the family, at an in-person meeting prior to scheduling a baptism.
What is a dedication?
Infant baptisms are typically followed by Confirmation, an education and discernment journey in which the child ‘confirms’ his or her faith as a teenager. In some cases, families decide that they would prefer to wait and do the baptism at that time. In these cases, an infant dedication (which is very similar in ceremony to a baptism) is done instead. The distinctions and possibilities of both Baptisms and Dedications will be discussed more fully in a meeting with one of our Ministers.
When are baptisms done?
Since baptisms include covenants made by the parents, the Godparents, and the congregation as a whole, they are not generally done in private ceremonies. With the exception of unusual circumstances, baptisms are performed during one of our Sunday morning worship services.
What can I expect in the ceremony?
While some details will change depending on the circumstances, the baptism or dedication ceremony generally includes reflections by the Minister, a song, commitments from the parent(s), commitments from the Godparents (if applicable), commitments from the church, and prayers.
The baptism itself is done by ‘sprinkling,’ as the Minister dips his/her hand into the water, three times, and places it on the head of the child in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What about adult baptism?
Our Ministers are always open to exploring your journey of faith and discerning whether or not adult baptism is a fitting step in your relationship with God.
What is expected of the Godparents? Are Godparents required?
Godparents are not required for a baptism. The essence of the role of the Godparents is to support the parents in fulfilling the baptismal covenants they make. While we do not require particular religious affiliations or classes for Godparents, it is important that the family consider what individual(s) can best fulfill the role of helping the child to discover God in his or her own life.
What is the process? How can I learn more?
All baptisms, both for members and non-members, begin with a meeting with one of our Ministers. Contact us to set up a meeting and learn more.
Contact Us
We are always happy to talk with you about baptism for yourself, or your child. Please contact us to set up a time to get together.