INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in a baptism for you and/or for your child at West Linn Lutheran Church. This page is intended to help you with the planning of this important event in your life, the life of your family and/or your child. We hope that it will answer questions you may have at this time. Our goal is to help you understand the meaning of baptism and the procedures followed at our church for the planning of a baptism. |
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
We believe baptism is one of two important sacraments of God's Church. In Holy Baptism, Lutherans believe that God works through water to claim us as God's own people, to wash away our sins, to drown us to sin and death and to raise us up to new life. In baptism God is doing something great and powerful to us: God is joining us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! |
THE CHALLENGE AND PROMISE OF BAPTISM
Through baptism, God challenges how we hear, see, speak and live in the world. Through it, God also challenges how we relate to God and those around us. Further, in baptism, God even challenges how we see and know ourselves. |
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HOW DO I OR MY CHILD GET BAPTIZED?
INFANTS AND TODDLERS Baptism is the beginning of a new life in Christ. To prepare for your child's baptism, one of the pastors will meet with you. During these meetings we will discuss together what Lutheran Christians understand about Baptism and how you, as parents, plan to live out your baptismal promises. ADULTS This is an important step of faith to enter into the life of Christ. Together with one of the pastors, you will explore the meaning of this step in your faith journey and the statements of faith we hold near and dear to our hearts as Christians. IT IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP!! Baptism is the first step on a life-long journey of faith. We believe that baptism brings individuals into the family of God. In baptism, our sins are forgiven and we become members of God’s family. The faith that begins at Baptism must be nurtured and strengthened for a lifetime. This is done through regular worship and fellowship with God’s people. This is done through the regular study of God’s Word, the Bible. This is done through the regular discipline of prayer. We will help you with all of these steps, all along the way! |