(These words are borrowed from official sources of The UMC.)
Scriptural support at conclusion.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE
1. The pastor makes the following statement to the congregation:
Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy Church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.
Section 1.--God's Gracious Gift
Baptism is entry into the Church. The use of the biblical term "covenant" links baptism and its related services to the work of God on behalf of God's people. A covenant is a two-sided agreement involving promises and responsibilities of both parties. In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the story is told of God's covenant relationship with the Hebrew people. The sign sealing that covenant is circumcision In the New Testament, the story is told about Jesus Christ and the covenant that his life, death, and resurrection established between God and the Church. In baptism, we are initiated into the community of God's covenant people--the body of Christ. Baptism is the sign of the New Covenant, the divine promise applied to the life of each of us.
It is "through water and the Spirit" that we enter into new spiritual life in relationship to God in Christ. In the Articles of Religion, John Wesley asserted that, "Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized; but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the church." Baptism of an infant powerfully portrays the utter dependence which all of us have on God. The sacrament is the sign of God's promise of ongoing grace, offering continual forgiveness and transformation throughout our lives. We do not receive all of the benefits of baptism at once; this is particularly obvious when infants are baptized. At whatever age it is received, baptism demonstrates our inclusion in the covenant with God and our access to the divine grace that claims, sustains, and saves us.
2. If there are confirmations or reaffirmations, the pastor continues:
Through confirmation, and through the reaffirmation of our faith, we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ's holy Church.
Section 2:--Our Response to God's Grace
Without God having acted first, we would be unable to move toward God. The good news is that in Jesus Christ, God has acted to make salvation possible. What God offers us must be accepted in repentance and faith. Confirmation and reaffirmation are our responses of commitment of faith, and rededication.
3. A representative of the congregation presents the candidates with the appropriate statement:
I present Name(s) for baptism.
I present Name(s) for confirmation.
I present Name(s) reaffirm their faith.
I present Name(s) who come(s) to this congregation from ___________________ Church.
Section 3:--The Community Calls Us by Name
Since we become members of the church in baptism, it is appropriate that a lay member of the congregation represents the covenant community. The uniqueness of each of us in recognized as we are called by name and presented to the congregation, perhaps with brief introductory comments.
RENUNCIATION OF SIN AND PROFESSION OF FAITH
4. The pastor addresses parents or other sponsors and those candidates who can answer for themselves:
On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
I do.
Section 4. --We Declare Our Intentions to Be Christians.
The first vow recognizes and renounces evil in all its form - cosmic, systemic, and personal. The second asserts that God enables us to be victorious over even and obligates us to work actively to oppose sin in the social order in when we live. In the third vow we affirm our commitment to Christ. As human beings we are born into a world in which evil is real, pervasive, and inescapable by our own efforts (original sin). The Christian Church is a community that has said "no" to sin and been freed to say "yes" to Christ. We acknowledge that the authentic Church of Christ is inclusive of all persons. When parents and sponsors reaffirm these vows, they speak for themselves, not on behalf of their children.
SECTION 5-9. THE CHURCH RESPONDS
In these sections of the ritual, the church responds to those who declare their intention to become Christians. In expanding concentric circles, the community of faith surrounds them with support and embrace them in Christian fellowship.
5. The pastor addresses parents or other sponsors of candidates not able to answer for themselves:
Will you nurture these children (persons) in Christ's holy Church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God's grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?
I will.
Section 5:--Promises of Parents and Sponsors.
Baptized children are included in the church, but must be shaped into Christians. As parents and sponsors, we take responsibility to teach and exemplify the Christian faith, to see that children stay within the nurture of the church, and to guide them toward personal commitment to Christian discipleship. This is why the baptism of infants and young children are to be practiced only when their parents or sponsors are believing Christians and when there is commitment that these children will be brought up with intentional Christian education and formation in church and home.
6. The pastor addresses candidates who can answer for themselves:
According to the grace give to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy Church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?
I will.
Section 6--Promises of Adults Who Have Experienced Grace
Adults respond by pledging to be faithful church members and to represent Christ in their lives in the world. It is appropriate, but not essential, for them to give personal testimony of the Christian experience which has brought them to take this step. Since they are profession their own faith, no separate service of confirmation is needed. We are unable to fulfill these responsibilities without dependence on the continuing gift of God's grace.
7. If those who have answered for themselves have sponsors, the pastor addresses the sponsors:
Will you who sponsor these candidates support and encourage them in their Christian life?
I will.
Section 7:--Promises of the Sponsor for Adults
The use of sponsors is one way the church take responsibility for nurturing new Christians in the faith. No matter how strong our commitment to Christ, we can greatly benefit from the guidance and example of mentors and companions.
8. The pastor addresses the congregation, and the congregation responds:
Do you, as Christ's body, the Church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and you commitment to Christ?
We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care?
With God's help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
Section 8:--Promises of the Congregation
Christianity is lived out not in isolation, but in community with other Christians. The congregation reaffirms its own faith and commitment, then promises to nurture, teach, and support those whose commitments are being affirmed. We need mutual nurturing, by both proclamation and example. We grow in faith, service, and discipleship within a community of love and forgiveness.
9. The pastor addresses all, and the congregation joins the candidates and their parents and sponsors in responding:
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontus Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Section 9:--Proclamation in Accord with the Universal and Historical Church of Jesus Christ
When we proclaim our faith using the Apostles; Creed, we are linked with Christians of every place and time. Part of the oldest tradition of the Church, this Creed has been used in baptisms throughout the Christian centuries. Baptized infants, parents and sponsors, believing adults, the local congregation, and the Body of Christ are brought together to affirm our Christian faith and to celebrate the love with which God has claimed us to be God's own people.
10. If there are baptisms, or if water is to be used for reaffirmation, the water may be poured into the font at this time, and the following prayer offered:
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: AND ALSO WITH YOU.
Pastor: Let us pray: Eternal Father: when nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light. In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea. Their children you brought through the Jordan to the land which your promised. SING TO THE LORD, ALL THE EARTH. TELL OF GOD'S MERCY EACH DAY. In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations. DECLARE HIS WORKS TO THE NATIONS, HIS GLORY AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE. Pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water and those who receive it, to wash away their sin and clothe them in righteousness throughout their lives, that, dying and being raised with Christ, they may share in his final victory. ALL PRAISE TO YOU, ETERNAL FATHER, THROUGH YOUR SON JESUS CHRIST, WHO WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES AND REIGNS FOR EVER AMEN.
Section 10--God's Use of Water in Salvation
This prayer is comparable to the Great Thanksgiving prayer over the elements of bread and wine in Holy Communion. God's mighty acts of salvation through water are celebrated -- Creation, Flood, Exodus, and the greatest of all, the coming of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion, the Holy Spirit is invoked to bless and use the water, in anticipation that God will act again, even now. The pouring of water into the font, seen and heard by all in the congregation, calls forth joyous spoken, as the whole worshiping community praises God.
11. As each candidate is baptized, the pastor says:
Name, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Immediately after the administration of the water, the pastor, and others if desired, place hands on the head of each candidate, as the pastor says to each:
The Holy Spirit work within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.
When all candidates have been baptized, the pastor invited the congregation to welcome them:
Now in our joy to welcome our new sisters and brothers in Christ. Through baptism you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit into God's new creation and made to share in Christ's royal priesthood. We are all on in Christ Jesus. With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you as members of the family of Christ.
Section 11:--The Act of Baptism with Water and the Spirit
Methodism has always allowed persons to choose sprinkling, pouring, and immersions as the mode of their or their children's baptism. All three modes have been used since New Testament times and each has its particular symbolism. Only the given names, not the surnames, are spoken as new members are initiated into the family of the church. Water is administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in accord with Matthew 28:19.
Baptism is by water and the Holy Spirit. Laying on of hands is an ancient action of the Church indicating the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Family members, including baptized children, and sponsors are invited to participate. The response of "Amen" here and elsewhere in he ritual is the congregation's affirmation of what has been done and said. Several other meaningful symbolic actions may be use at this point in the service: sign of the cross on the forehead, oil as a symbol of the priesthood of all believers, new clothing as a symbol of putting on Christ. A baptismal candle is a symbol of light. A Certificate of Baptism may be given later.
In the words of welcome, the congregation expresses its joy that new members have joined the community of faith and its unity with them as Christian disciples. Baptism is recognized as the work of the Holy Spirit through which we are spiritually made new and commissioned into Christian service.
CONFIRMATION AND REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH
12. Here water may be used symbolically in ways that cannot be interpreted as baptism, as the pastor says:
Remember your baptism and be thankful. Amen.
As the pastor, and others if desired, place hands on the head of each person being confirmed or reaffirming faith, the pastor says to each:
(Name), the Holy Spirit work within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Section 12, 13:--Reaffirming Our Faith and Commitment
As Christians, we repeatedly need to repent of our sin, reaffirm our faith, and renew our vows. For those who are baptized as infants, the service of confirmation is their first reaffirmation of their baptism. Other opportunities for reaffirmation are available throughout our lives. Every service of baptism and confirmation offers us another chance for re commitment as were inwardly repeat the vows that we have already taken.
Water used in services of confirmation and reaffirmation makes visible the connection between these services and baptism. The water may be used in a variety of ways in order to remind Christians of their baptism without appearing to repeat the sacrament. It can be simply seen and heard, or touched, or used to make a sign of the cross, or sprinkled toward the congregation.
"Remembering" our baptism is recalling and reclaiming the meaning of baptism and the divine grace that continues at work in our lives. It does not mean being able to recall the specific event mentally or emotionally.
Section 12:--Confirmation and Profession of Faith.
When our baptized children are able to profess the Christian faith for themselves, they participate in the service of confirmation. They publicly take the vows of Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith. Confirmation includes three aspects: (a) God confirms the divine promise to those who were too young to grasp what God was doing in their baptism, (b) they respond by professing their own acceptance of the grace they have received and their won faith in Christ. (c) the Church, as represented by this congregation, confirms the commitment they make.
Confirmation includes the laying on of hands which, unlike baptism, is a repeatable action. The word said by the pastor are the same as those following baptism, except for a change in the tense of the verb to indicate that spiritual rebirth has already take place.
13. When there is a congregational reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, water may be used symbolically in ways that cannot be interpreted as baptism, as the pastor says:
Remember your baptism and be thankful.
Amen.
Section 13:--The Members of the Congregation Reaffirm Their Faith
Confirmation is not the last occasion for reaffirming our faith. Throughout our lives, we need to participate in individual and corporate services of reaffirmation. In the Wesleyan understanding of salvation and in our own lives, our relationship to God is dynamic rather than static. The sacrament of baptism never needs to be repeated because it is the covenant sign of God's gracious acts. Indeed, quite literally, baptism cannot be repeated. Once we have been claimed by God's love, God never fails to remain faithful to the divine side of the covenant. It is the human side of the covenant which is neglected, even broken. Our journey of faith are not a steadily ascending march to spiritual heights, but back and forth, up and down, process We need intentional opportunities to renew our trust in Christ and recommit ourselves to Christian discipleship.
14. If there are persons coming into membership in The United Methodist Church from other denominations who have not yet been presented, they may be presented at this time.
The pastor, addresses all those transferring their membership into The United Methodist Church, together with those who, through baptism or confirmation, have just professed their own faith:
As members of Christ's universal church, we you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
I will.
15. If there are persons joining this congregation other United Methodist congregations who have not yet been presented, they may be presented at this time.
The pastor addresses all those transferring membership into the congregation together with those who, through baptism or confirmation, have just professed their own faith:
As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and our service?
I will.
Sections 14, 15:--Reception into The United Methodist Church and the Local Congregation
Baptized persons are not simply generic Christians. They are part of a particular denominational family ad a particular local congregation. Therefore, the liturgy concludes with reception into both bodies. If people change denominations or transfer to different congregations, they profess their loyalty to their new church community.
16. The pastor addresses the congregation:
Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
The congregation responds:
We give thanks for all that God has already give you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of he Church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
The pastor addresses those baptized, confirmed, or received:
The God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit, that you may live in grace and peace.
Section 16:--"Members Together"
The pastor reminds the congregation of their responsibilities to all who have been baptized, confirmed, or received. They congregation responds by welcoming them into the Christian Church, The United Methodist Church, and the local church. They also pledge themselves anew to faithful church membership. Less formal expressions of welcome by lay persons are encouraged at this time or after the service.
If worship continues, as recommended, with the celebration of Holy Communion, the new members of all ages are invited to partake first as a sign of hospitality.
Scriptural Support:
John 15:16-17
Romans 4:13-25, 5:6-11, 6:1-11, 7:14-25
Section 4
Ephesians 4:22-24, 6:10-20
John 8:36
Galatians 2:19-20
Section 5
Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 20-25
Section 6
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Ephesians 4:11-16
Section 7
Philippians 3:17, 4:8-9
Section 8
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1, 15:1-11
Section 9
Philippians 2:5-11
Acts 2:32-33 36
Section 10
Genesis 1:2-3, 9:8-11
1 Peter 3:20
Exodus 3 and 14
Joshua 3:14-17
1 Chronicles 16:23-24
Luke 1:31, 3:21-22
Mark 1:8, 10:38
Matthew 28:19
Acts 22:16
Section 11
Acts 2:38, 8:17-19, 19:1-7, 22:16
1 Corinthians 6:11, 12:13
2 Corinthians 1:20-22, 5:17
Hebrews 10:22
1 Peter 1:9, 22-25; 2:1-10; 3:18-22
Romans 6:3-4
Colossians 2:12, 3:9-14
Joel 2:28
Acts 2:17, 19:1-7
Ezekiel 35:25-26
Matthew 5:14-16, 28:19
John 3:3-5
Titus 3:5-7
Galatians 3:27-28
Ephesians 4:4-6
Section 12
Psalm 103:17-18
Hebrews 6
1 Chronicles 16:8-18
2 Chronicles 6:12-17
Section 13
Joshua 24:14-18
Psalm 119:33-40
Deuteronomy 8:1-11
Proverbs 3:1-18
Matthew 16:24-26
Acts 2:32-33, 4:5-13, 8:26-40
2 Peter 1:3-11
Section 16
Philippians 1:3-11, 4:4-20
1 Corinthians 12-13
Romans 15:1-7
Revelation 7:3, 9-14
Ephesians 1:13-14
Section 1
Genesis 17:1-14
Isaiah 55:1
Jeremiah 31:31-34
John 3:5-8
1 Corinthians 2:12-13, 27; 11:23-26
Ephesians 4:4-6, 5:25-26
Hebrews 9:11-22
Acts 2:38-39, 16:15, 33; 18:8
Section 2
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