There are four ceremonies that are like mile-markers in the life of a Christian.

Two of these ceremonies are called sacraments, which refers to sacred rituals that Christ commanded his followers to do. The other two - marriage and funerals - are not sacraments, but they are important for the life of the church and for individual followers of Jesus.

 

The two sacraments ordained by Christ are baptism and communion.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby people become identified as Christians, but it is also a sign of regeneration or new birth. Those that are baptized are grafted into the Church: receiving the promises of forgiveness of sin, being adopted to be the children of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; confirmed in faith. This is a joyful event in the life of a believer that marks the beginning of new life in Christ. If you are interested, we would love to get in touch!

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

- Galatians 3:26-29

Infant baptism is a very tender and profound moment where the life of a child is consecrated to God.

The baptism of young children is a Christian sacrament for Christian parents. It is a way to claim God’s blessing on the child. As well, the parents and godparents make very serious promises to raise the child up in a godly manner.

 

Rev. Jeremy Graham baptizes a candidate by affusion (signing the cross on the forehead with water).

Adult baptism is better described as “believer’s baptism”. It is typically initiated by individuals who have received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and have made a decision to be obedient to the command of Christ through this public declaration. In Matthew 16:16, Jesus said: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Services of holy baptism for both children and adults are scheduled regularly throughout the year. If you are interested in having your child baptized, or if you wish to be baptized yourself, please fill out the application below. You will be required to meet with a member of clergy who will go over the baptism application form with you. This meeting will be followed by baptism preparation for both parents and godparents.