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For BAPTISM, click on a topic that interests you.
CEREMONY | APPLICATION| ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS | FAQs | BAPTISM APPLICATION
Why Baptism?
Jesus Christ began Christian baptism shortly before He concluded His earthly ministry. In His command to His followers He said:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
From Jesus' command we know the following about baptism: Baptism is for all people, including children. Jesus put no age, race or denominational limitations on those who are to be baptized. As the Bible says: "God desires for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4).
Baptism is part of the process of making disciples of Jesus Christ. In baptism, God works His miracle faith in a child's heart. At the same time, baptism is really the beginning of a life-long process of growing in faith and following Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus said: "...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Baptism must be followed by God's teaching and leading in a child's life, so that faith in the Savior continues to grow and mature to full commitment to Christ!
Baptism involves great responsibility on the part of the parents of the child who is baptized. The Bible calls upon parents to "bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) Ultimately each parent will have to give account to God for the way they seek to nurture and develop the spiritual life of the child. This nurturing takes place by your example (letting your child see your own commitment to Christ and God's Word) and by your teaching (sharing Biblical truth about Jesus Christ with your child.)
Ceremony
Baptisms are usually part of a regular worship service. Baptism makes each of us a part of the family of God. The SOTH family shares the joys and responsibility that come with Christian baptism. Baptisms usually follow this pattern when they take place in the worship service:
Parents and sponsors are ordinarily asked to sit in the west-most section, just in front of the font. Others who come to view the baptism will see better seated in the center section of the chapel. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the service.
At the request of the pastor the parents, sponsors and family of the child come forward to the font.
The pastor shares a few words about Christian Baptism and asks in turn the parents, sponsors, and the congregation if they will fulfill their God-given responsibilities relating to the baptism. Parents and sponsors will answer as indicated by the pastor.
The pastor then baptizes the child, applying water to the child's forehead "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
The pastor then prays for the child and introduces the child to the congregation.
The parents, sponsors, and child then return to their seats at the direction of the pastor.
Application
CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE APPLICATION or call the Church (909) 989-6500 to request an application.
Additional Thoughts
The baptism of your child is most important, and so Shepherd of the Hills gladly baptizes children brought for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
There are Biblical conditions attached to baptizing children. The conditions are clearly identified in the Bible and in the commitments made by sponsors and/or parents in the time of baptism; specifically, that they be taught the holy Ten Commandments, the Christian Creed, and the Lord's Prayer; and that, as they grow in years, you place in their hands the Holy Scriptures, bring them to the services of God's house and PROVIDE FOR THEIR FURTHER INSTRUCTION in the Christian faith, that abiding in the covenant of their Baptism and IN COMMUNION WITH THE CHURCH, they may be brought up to lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ.
This simply means that you are committing yourself to nurturing and increasing the faith which your child/ren receives in baptism by a continuing program of instruction in the truths of God's Holy Word both at home and by active participation in the life of the church in worship and Christian education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are Baptisms scheduled?
Because of time factors, baptisms are ordinarily scheduled for any service except those which involve the celebration of Holy Communion. Since schedules change from time to time, it will be logical to speak to someone in the office (909-989-6500) or send us an e-mail, to be sure that your selection of time of service is appropriate.
What about Adult Baptisms?
Adults interested in baptism at SOTH first attend The Discovery Class in order that they may understand the implications of Christian Baptism. Such classes are regularly announced at Shepherd of the Hills.
What about Sponsors (Godparents) for my child?
The role of a sponsor is to pray for the child who is baptized, to give the example of a godly life for the child, and to speak of the Lord Jesus to the child in the years to come. Sponsors are not required but if you choose sponsors they should be committed Christians who can fulfill these responsibilities. Individuals may serve as sponsors even if they are unable to attend the service.
For the baptism of children, it is traditional to have Lutheran sponsors, since sponsors promise "to do everything possible to bring the child/ren to the services of God's House," ordinarily the church of the parents. In a problem, speak to a pastor.
What about Photographs?
Baptism is a part of the worship service of our church. Non-flash pictures or video pictures may be taken from the pew (as long as the photographer does not stand). Please note that there are to be NO flash pictures during the service and the photographer is not to move from one location to another. Please inform your family and friends of these guidelines. Please feel free to take pictures after the worship service.
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