Come to the Water

When we enter the waters of baptism, we make a passage to a new way of being, as we are signed with the sign of the cross, and marked as Christ's own forever. We let go of the things that are wearing us down, and the things that are stealing away life, and we turn from darkness to the light that God sent to our world in the Son, Jesus Christ, surrounded by a supportive and loving community that is waiting to take that journey with you.

All are Welcome

Whether you're an adult seeking to follow the Way of Christ, or a parent bringing a child for baptism, you are welcome here. Whether you've already made a decision for baptism, or you're still not quite sure that baptism is what you're looking for, we will walk alongside you in an exploration of what it could mean in your life.

Process

If you inquire about baptism, we'll get together and talk about what it is that brings you to the question. There are no right and wrong ‘answers' to these inquiries. Everyone brings their own experience and gifts to the table. If you choose baptism, we will gather with you and your parish sponsors and any God-parents you wish to include, and we'll explore a couple of stories from the life of Christ. This will not be a quiz to test your Biblical knowledge, but an encounter wherein our experience and the story come together in a new way, and help us to interpret what impact the story might have on our day-to-day living. We will also try to name some of the things that we turn from when we turn to Christ, asking the question, "What is the darkness from which I wish to turn, or from which I hope my child will turn?" And we'll take some time to interpret the phrases of the Baptismal Covenant, translating them into images, actions and attitudes into which we hope to grow.

Some weeks before the baptism takes place, we will introduce you to the members of the congregation by way of the Welcoming Rite. This is a 5-minute ceremony at the beginning of a Sunday service wherein the Baptismal Candidate is named and welcomed, and signed with the sign of the cross in anticipation of the up-coming baptism. It gives members of the congregation a chance to get to know you and to pray for you as you prepare for the wonderful day. Some weeks after the baptism, we will gather again to debrief the meaning of the experience and to provide you with resources to live

Time-Frame

We encourage inquirers about Baptism to spend some time with us in preparation for this life-changing moment. It is best to call some months in advance. While other arrangements may be made from time to time, there are certain Holy Days on which baptism is most appropriate in the Christian year, and it is our hope to celebrate baptism on those days.

Summary

The Way of Christ is the way to freedom. At All Saints', we gather to explore that Way by hearing the story, worshipping, praying for ourselves and the world, supporting one another, serving our community, and gathering around the Table from which the God of love feeds the world through the gift of the Son. As we are nurtured in this way, God's love spills out of our own lives and spreads through our every decision, relationship and encounter. Come and see!