The Ritual of Baptism WELCOME

Pastor: Brothers & sisters in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism.

ADDRESS
Pastor: Unless we are born anew, we cannot see the kingdom of God; Unless we are born of water and the spirit, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. All of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus are baptized into Christs death. We are buried therefore with Christ by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead, to the glory of God, we too might walk in the newness of life.

QUESTIONS
Pastor: Do you NAME desire to be baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? Candidate: I do. Pastor: Do you renounce the power of Satan and desire the freedom of new life in Christ? Candidate: I do. Pastor: Do you profess & accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Candidate: I do. Pastor: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christs disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ? Candidate: I do. CONGREGATIONAL ASSENT

Pastor: Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care to the one about to be baptized, as HE/SHE lives and grows in Christ? Family & Friends: We do.

PRAYER OF BAPTISM (all adjourn to the baptistery)

Pastor: Lets go to the lord in prayer. We thank you, God, for the gift of creation, the gift of life and your presence with us. Gracious God, bless by your Holy Spirit this water. By your Holy Spirit save those who confess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them. Create new life in the one baptized this day that SHE/HE may rise in Christ. Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was, and is, and shall always be, Amen.

ACT OF BAPTISM
Pastor: NAME, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, to be born anew & to walk with our lord & savior Jesus Christ. Child of God, you have been marked by the sign of the cross and the kiss of peace. May God bless you and keep you, today and all the days of your life. PRAYER FOR THE BAPTIZED Pastor: Let us pray for the one baptized today. Gracious God, you have filled the world with joy by giving us the gift of Jesus. Bless this newly baptized person. May SHE/HE be filled with joy; may HE/SHE never be ashamed to confess a personal faith in you. Bless these your faithful people. Unite them in the peace of Christ and the company of the Holy Spirit. Amen. INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWLY BAPTIZED Pastor: Go in peace to love & serve the Lord.