Baptism and Holy Communion are the two sacraments celebrated here at Good Shepherd. In the waters of baptism we are promised that God gives us forgiveness, new life, and union with Jesus Christ.
Baptism is not something that we celebrate and forget about. It serves as a continual reminder that God has come to us and claimed us as a child. Since it is God’s work and not our own, we believe that one does not need to understand baptism in order to receive it, therefore we baptize infants. Additionally, once one is baptized they can receive Holy Communion.
If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child please contact our Pastor.
FAQ
How do I get baptized or have my child baptized?
Step 1: Contact the pastor to schedule a baptism.
Step 2: Attend a baptism meeting.
Step 3: Get baptized.
Do I have to be a member of Good Shepherd to have my children baptized?
No, but the pastor requires that you be active in our congregation for at least six month.
During baptism promises are made as parents, godparents, and the Church.
You are asked:
As you bring your child to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities: to live with them among God’s faithful people, bring them to the word of God and the holy supper, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, place in their hands the holy scriptures, and nurture them in faith and prayer, so that your children may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace.
Do you promise to help your children grow in the Christian faith and life?
The time commitment requirement is an effort to help parents keep this promise by establishing them as a part of a Christian community.
When do baptisms takes place?
Baptism makes one a member of the Body of Christ. Therefore, baptisms normally take place at one of the regular worship services of the congregation. In extreme situations a baptism might happen at some other time or place, but there is no such thing as a private baptism.
What are the costs associated with baptism?
There is no fee for Baptisms to the congregation or the pastor. The cost is a lifetime of raising your child in the Christian faith.