Statement of Belief on Baptism:

The “Song of Faith” of the United Church of Canada states;

“Before conscious thought or action on our part,

we are born into the brokenness of this world.

Before conscious thought or action on our part,

we are surrounded by God’s redeeming love.

Baptism by water in the name of the Holy Trinity

is the means by which we are received, at any age,

into the covenanted community of the church.

It is the ritual that signifies our rebirth in faith

and cleansing by the power of God.

Baptism signifies the nurturing, sustaining,

and transforming power of God’s love

and our grateful response to that grace.

Carrying a vision of creation healed and restored,

we welcome all in the name of Christ.”

With this as our foundation, the congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church upholds and practices the Sacrament of Baptism.

We affirm:

• Baptism is a gift of God and a symbol of belonging to God within a community of faith
• All people are equally precious in the eyes of God
• Baptism is not required for salvation; those who are not baptized bear no stigma; no burden; no exclusion from the grace of God
• Water and oil are used as a symbol of this covenant and blessing

When families choose to have their children baptized as infants, we celebrate the profound love of God. Often before the child knows its own name, and while the child is totally dependent upon adults for care, we mark the child with the water of baptism … a powerful sign of God’s grace which precedes our even knowing God’s name. Neither we nor our children can earn God’s favour. Nevertheless, the abiding grace of God does surround us. It is the most important power in our life. Our faith in Jesus Christ assures us of God’s good will toward us and all children. We are dependent upon God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Eligibility for Baptism:

Infant Baptism:

• At least one parent must be a member of St. Andrew’s United Church
• If the infant does not live in the Yorkton area, and has a historic connection here, we may share in baptism. We encourage families seeking baptism to have a community of faith where they actively participate. Assistance in finding an appropriate community of faith will be provided if needed. 

Adult Baptism:

• Anyone over 13 is encouraged to seek baptism

Preparation for Baptism:

• Please begin preparing for baptism a minimum of six weeks prior to the anticipated date. This is a time of discernment to learn more about your faith, the traditions of St. Andrew’s and the United Church of Canada. It is a time for you to build relationships with the community of faith that will support you and your family in your faith growth.
• You will meet with the minister at least once before baptism.
• During the discernment time we would like you to connect with the community of faith at least 3 times. This might include worship (online or in-person) or other activities.
• We hope you will follow through on this preparation.

The Service:

• Baptism takes place during a regular worship service so that the congregation can make a commitment to people being baptized to pray for and support them in their faith journey.
• Please arrive at least 10 minutes before worship to allow time to get settled
• Please do not take pictures during the baptism. Pictures may be taken after the service.
• God parents are welcome but not required to participate in the service.
• You will receive a certificate of baptism and other tokens during the service.
• If another minister is requested to participate in the baptism this will be discussed on an individual basis.

Steps to Baptism:

1. Family or individual contacts St. Andrew’s United Church requesting baptism.
2. Family or individual returns completed Baptism Request Form.
3. Minister contacts family or individual to arrange baptism preparation.
4. Family or individual enters a six-week discernment period and are encouraged to participate in a minimum of three faith building activities such as worship.
5. After completing baptism preparation, the names are forwarded to the worship committee for approval.
6. Approval is recorded in the Leadership Team minutes.
7. Following baptism, a record is created in the Baptismal Record Book.
8. The congregation of St. Andrew’s will continue to be in touch with and support families and individuals who have been baptized.

Emergency Baptisms:

Occasionally circumstances arise where a baptism must take place immediately. There is a long-standing tradition that any Christian may baptize in these circumstances. We affirm this tradition for our lay people and our minister. Following a baptism, the name should be brought to the worship committee and recorded in the Baptismal Record Book.

Confirmation:

Anyone who was baptised as an infant is invited to reaffirm these vows through confirmation after age 13.

On-going Support Following Baptism:

Baptism is an important public commitment of faith and discipleship. You affirm your belief in a God of love and commit to intentionally seek God in your life and continue deepening your spiritual journey.

The congregation commits to nurturing your whole family on this journey. Our role is to support your whole family in deepening your faith and giving you the tools to grow in faith with your children. We will continue to be in touch with you and encourage you to participate in the life and work of St. Andrew’s. We will contact you about various activities and make ourselves available to you when requested. Please be in touch with the minister if you have specific requests for support or programs which would encourage you and your family in deepening your faith.

We will also be inviting and encouraging you to support the community of faith with your time, talents and financial gifts so that we can continue to serve you and the wider community.