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The congregation of St. Paul’s United Church is very pleased that you have made a decision to have your child baptised.
When you arrive at church, on the day arranged for your child to be baptised, please feel free to sit anywhere in the sanctuary except the balcony. Early in the service the minister will invite parents to bring their child forward (please bring the Bulletin that the usher handed you as well so that you may follow the litany reading). If you have other children they, too, may be with you. You will stand with the other parents before the minister. At this time, everyone will be invited to read from the Bulletin responsively. However, at one point the minister will address the parents specifically with the following questions:
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| MINISTER: | Do you desire to have your child baptised? | | PARENTS: | I do, by the grace of God. | | MINISTER: | Will you accept the responsibility of acting and speaking on your child’s behalf? And will you endeavour to show your child the Christian life and to grow with him or her in the faith? | | PARENTS: | I will, God being my helper. | | MINISTER: | Desiring the freedom of new life in Christ, do you turn away from the forces of evil and renounce their power? | | PARENTS: | I do, by the grace of God. | | MINISTER: | Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as Saviour and Lord of your life? | | PARENTS: | I do, by the grace of God. | | MINISTER: | Do you commit yourself to the mission and Ministry of Christ’s Church. | | PARENTS: | I do, by the grace of God.
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After the complete Baptism Litany has been read the minister will invite one family at a time to come to the Baptismal Font. After your child has been baptised you will rejoin the other parents. When the Sacrament of Baptism has concluded and you are back sitting in the pew, the young people of St. Paul’s will be going to Junior Congregation downstairs. You are certainly welcome to take your older children, and those of your guests, to this fun filled experience as well. The nursery is available, with a very capable adult to watch over your newly baptised child, if you so desire.
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| Godparents | | Photos | | If your child has godparents they too are welcomed to join you at the front of the sanctuary. However, in the best interest of space, if we have more than five families having baptism, please invite the godparents to remain in the pew. Check the bulletin for the number of families involved in the baptism. | | Please make this very clear to your family and friends! There will be no photos taken during the Sacrament of Baptism. If photos are a desire, the minister will be more than pleased to be available after the church service has been completed. If someone wishes to use a video camera they are welcome to sit in the balcony, which happens to be the best vantage point. |
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May this day of your child’s baptism be a very
special one. But may you teach your child that
baptism is only the beginning.
May God’s peace be yours this day and always!
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Note:
Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available downstairs each week and is staffed for the entire service. Sunday school is offered for children ages 3 and older. Leaders and participants go downstairs together following the children’s sharing time in the service.
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What is Confirmation? | 
| In the United Church we practice infant baptism. When a child is baptized, the parents take a vow to raise them in the church and teach them about God and Jesus. At confirmation, people who were baptized as children promise to follow the teachings of Jesus and continue to grow in their faith as members of the church. In doing so they agree with, or confirm, the vows their parents took years earlier on their behalf. | This is an important step in a believer’s life because it marks the time when they are ready to claim the faith into which they were baptized as their own. This is not the end of formal Christian education the way graduation marks the end of school. Instead, at confirmation, a promise is made to live as a Christian and continue to develop a personal relationship with God. In many ways it is just the beginning of a spiritual journey that will last a lifetime.
Thus: | - Confirmation has no end
- Confirmation is a way of living
- Confirmation is not a reward for memorization
- Confirmation is not the end of preparation for life -- silly thought! Who is ever fully prepared for anything? at any age?
- Confirmation is a process that builds a life based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Confirmation is not perfection
- Confirmation does not lead to perfection
- Confirmation is the process by which the person becomes confirmed in the truth of God's love
- Confirmation is all this and more
| Why Do We Have Confirmation Class? | These are not really “classes” but an opportunity to talk, think, and explore what confirmation means to us as individuals. This is a special time, when our beliefs and their impact on our lives will be examined and discussed.
| Who Should Attend? | There is no right time or age limit for confirmation. If you are in grade eight or older you may feel ready to take this step in your Faith Journey. At the basic level confirmation is a public declaration of your beliefs and intentions. It is personal, as is the decision whether or not to make this commitment.
Some people may not know whether or not they wish to be confirmed and become members of the United Church. That is OK! The classes will give you an opportunity to learn, and ask questions. Participating in the program does not mean you have already made your decision. Throughout this process, and beyond, the church is here to offer support, guidance and love.
| When and Where? | - Classes will usually start in November and end with a Confirmation Service in May
- We will meet in the Youth Lounge at the church, with some planned outings
- The proposed meeting time is Sundays from 12:30 to 2pm. This will be discussed with all participants to determine a mutually convenient schedule.
| If you have any questions or would like to register for the Confirmation program, please contact Lynne Allin or the church office.
| Click to download Confirmation Information as a PDF file |
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