For information about weddings at Munn's, please contact Lisa in the church office at 905-257-8434 or by e-mail: office@munnsunited.com

BAPTISM AT MUNN’S UNITED CHURCH

 What does Baptism mean?

             In the United Church of Canada, baptism is welcome.  By baptism, a person becomes a member of the universal Christian church, and of Munn’s United in particular.  It is by baptism that we are included in the people of God, a community of loving Christian folk in whose presence we grow in faith and by whom we are supported. 

            The sacrament of baptism is also a celebration of the love and tender mercy of God that is poured out on each of our lives.  We affirm that each of us is precious in God’s sight.  We also affirm that we are people of potential, and that God values us and counts us as worthwhile.  Great things can happen in this world because we are who we are!

When and how does Baptism happen?

           Baptism is celebrated during Sunday worship.  Usually, it occurs on the third Sunday of the month, but arrangements can be made to accommodate family schedules.  At Munn’s, we celebrate baptism with one family at a time.  This helps us focus on the precious life that is joining us, and to whom we are promising loving support. 

            The act of baptism happens when water is placed on the forehead of the person being baptized.  This water is a symbol of the love of God, of God’s power to renew and refresh us, and of God’s desire to cleanse us.  

At what age does Baptism happen?

           Most often, babies or toddlers are the ones who are baptized.  However, baptism is not restricted to these wee ones.  Older children have been baptized, and it has been a meaningful time for them and for their families.  Adults have chosen baptism for themselves.  Their personal desire to belong to God’s church, and their sharing in the planning of their baptism, have made the sacrament a rich spirit-time.

What is the role of parents and god parents?

           Parents are asked the following questions during the baptism of their infants and children:

• Do you believe in God who creates our precious lives, and who sustains us day by day?
• Do you believe in Jesus who shows us God’s face, and leads us in God’s way?
• Do you believe in the spirit of God, our energy and our peace?
• Do you promise to make a loving home for your child where s/he can grow into God’s dream for her/him, where s/he can be safe, and learn about right relationship?

             We know that the parents’ faith is a key influence in the spiritual life of their children.  We also know that a just and loving home is a wonderful and positive influence on children, a gift that they take into their peer relationships.

             God parents are chosen by some families, and not by others.  Family tradition seems to play a significant role in this choice.  God parents are asked the first three of the questions above, and they are asked if they will accept the role of adult friend/mentor, play with and pray for their god child, and offer to their god child the good example of their own lives.

Is there an alternative to baptism?

           Yes, there is!  Many families want to celebrate the miracle of creation and the wonder of new life in their midst.  Many families want to celebrate a child who comes as blessing and promise to them.   However, not all of these families choose church membership, or are prepared to enable the relationship between the local congregation and their child. 

            For such families, Munn’s offers baby blessing.  This happens in the home.  It involves a blessing with water.  It recognizes the one baptized as a valued child of God, a gift to parents and grandparents.  What baby blessing does not include is membership in the church. 

            Baby blessings are organized according to family schedules.  Often, they are on the weekend, when extended family can gather.  The minister comes to the family’s home for a baby blessing.  A fee of $200 is charged.

Conclusion

             Munn’s United Church values the opportunity to welcome and to bless.  We have no requirements about membership, or length of association with the congregation.  What is important to us is the desire to include a child in a loving community, and so nurture faith in God.