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Baptism

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Introduction to Baptism
Just as God gave us life through our physical birth, so he makes it possible for us to receive a new life in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.  It's through this second birth that people become a member of the body of Christ.

What is Baptism?
Martin Luther teaches: "Baptism is not water only, but it is water used together with God's Word and by His command."

What is this "Word"?
In Matthew 28, our Lord Jesus Christ says: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

What is a Sacrament?
In Lutheran faith, a sacrament is something that has THREE parts to it...
  • A command by Christ - Again, Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to "go" and to "baptize" all nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus told us to do it, so we do!
  • Earthly element(s) - In Baptism, the earthly element is water
  • Promise from God - In Baptism, God forgives sin, delivers us from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what he has promised.

How can water do such great things?
Our Lutheran faith teaches: "It's not water that does these things, but God's Word with the water and our trust in His Word.  Water by itself is water, but with the Word of God, it is a life-giving water which by grace gives the new birth through the Holy Spirit."

What does baptism mean for daily living?
It means that our sinful self, with its evil acts and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.  St. Paul writes in Romans 6: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from 
      the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

What are we promising by presenting our child for baptism, or by being a sponsor?
  • To bring this child to worship.
  • To teach this child the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments.
  • To place in this child's hands the Holy Scriptures.
  • To provide for this child's instruction in the Christian faith.

What else do we need to know?
  • Baptism Classes: Baptism classes are held on the first Sunday of every month at 12:00 noon.  This class is appropriate for planning an adult or child baptism and must be taken prior to scheduling a baptism.  register by contacting Pam at (651)738-3110 or pam.eisele@kingofkingswoodbury.org.
  • Baptism Services: There are two options for celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.  Worship services are held both during regularly scheduled worship hours as well as specially designed services on Sunday afternoons.  Due to time constraints, baptisms during regularly schedule worship hours are limited to three per service and will be assigned on a first-come basis.  Baptism services held on Sunday afternoons have more flexibility and can accommodate larger numbers.
  • Sponsors: Sponsors must be members of a Christian church as they will be making faith promises for the baptized person.  The number of sponsors is up to the family.
  • There are no fees or honorariums for the baptism.  Those wishing to give a gift may do so during the offering time.

2013 Baptism Schedule:
January 12th/13th - During regular worship hours
February 10th - Special noon Baptism service
March 10th - Special noon Baptism service
April 13th/14th - During regular worship hours
May 11th/12th - During regular worship hours
June 9th - Special noon Baptism service
July 14th - Special noon Baptism service
August 10th/11th - During regular worship hours
September 15th - Special noon Baptism service
October 13th - Special noon Baptism service
November 9th/10th - During regular worship hours
December 8th - Special noon Baptism service