|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Baptism
Baptism is not simply water, but water together with God’s Word. In baptism water flows over an infant, a child, or an adult, and through the water and the Word God touches this marvelous crown of creation, this precious human being and claims each one for all eternity. It is grace-filled, life-giving water that washes each one clean and makes them new. In the waters of baptism we die with Christ (the sinful self needs to be put to death) and we are raised up to new life in Christ (we walk in the newness of life ). It is a new day, and the newly baptized child of God is called to “walk wet” all the days of his or her life. Martin Luther suggested that each day as we rise and the water of a new day touches our faces, we remember that we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It is a good way to go out into the day. In baptism one becomes a child of God—loved, claimed, forgiven, and free. It is as three-year-old Christopher proclaimed at his sister’s baptism. The water poured over her head, and he heard the pastor’s words, “Heather Suzann, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” With the water still dripping from Heather’s head, Christopher leaned over to his twin brother and whispered loudly in his ear for all to hear, “Matthew, that was absolutely amazing!” Oh yes, “absolutely amazing”! For in the water and the Word each one baptized becomes a child of God. This is not up to the one being baptized or even the ones bringing the infant to the font, but rather, depends on the marvelous grace of God that grafts us into Christ and sets us on a path to live as children of God all the days of our life. As parents bring infants or children to the waters of baptism they do make promises, however. They promise to continue faithfully bringing the child to worship regularly, provide for Christian instruction, to teach them the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments. With that we can see that baptism is far more that a family ritual. The Lutheran understanding is that we live out our baptismal calling to let our lights shine before others that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. As gifted children of God, baptism is about a way of life. WHAT DO I DO IF I WHAT MY CHIILD BAPTIZED AT GOOD SHEPHERD? If you would like to have your child baptized, please contact the church office at 255-1001 or send e-mail to GoodShepherd@GoodShepherdBismarck.com. We always prefer to have baptisms as part of worship. It is important for the gathered faith community to know that they have taken on responsibility for another member of the flock. We are all in this together, and it is important that we support one another as the body of Christ. Baptisms can be scheduled for almost any worship service, though we prefer to schedule them on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th weekends of the month if at all possible. HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE GODPARENTS? For infants and young children, you will want to ask people to serve as godparents. These are people who can serve as faithful role models throughout the child’s life as he or she grows in years. As you celebrate your child’s baptismal anniversary each year, these may be people who could celebrate that with you…whether from near or far. These are people who will, through the years, hold your child in prayer. WHAT IF I AM OLDER AND HAVE NEVER BEEN BAPTIZED? It is never too late! As was mentioned early on…water washes over an infant, a child, an adult. If this is something you have been wondering about, PLEASE, do come and talk further about this. Know that the pastors would welcome conversation with you. Lutherans believe in infant baptism, yet certainly not exclusively. Early on in Paul’s ministry he was baptizing entire households, so we know that all age groups were included. It is not about us “getting it”, but about God in Christ Jesus claiming us even when we may not get it….because we are too young, or too scared, or too confused, or too…. No matter what may be going on in our lives Jesus says, “Come to the waters…” WHAT IS “AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM”? Later, after an infant or child has been baptized and questions asked have all been answered by parents and godparents speaking on their behalf, the child grows in years and is ready to say “Yes” on their own behalf. “Affirmation of Baptism” is another name for Confirmation. It is one’s “YES” day.
With thanks to Daniel Erlander, author of "Baptized, We Live" (1981), who helped shape the “Yes” above. WHAT IF WE ARE NOT PRESENTLY MEMBERS? Many people ask this question. You are certainly welcome to have your child baptized here as part of the faith community. It is important to know that as your child is baptized he or she does become a member of Good Shepherd. As we receive new members at a later date you may want to then join your child in membership. Again, if you have questions about this, please know that the pastors are always willing to join in conversation with you. IF I WAS BAPTIZED AT ANOTHER CHURCH, DO I HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED AGAIN AT GOOD SHEPHERD? No! You are baptized once and your identity in Christ is set for all the days of your life. In baptism you are marked with the cross of Christ forever and you become a part of Christ’s body, the church; you become part of the community of faith. |
|
 |
|||||||
