BAPTISMS

IN OUR CHURCH

St. Mark Lutheran Church11007 S. 76th Ave.Worth, IL 60482

www.stmarkworth.org2

Baptisms at St. Mark

We rejoice with you as you begin preparations for the baptism of your child. The birth of a child is one of the great miracles of life. It is a time when we feel especially blessed by God and deeply aware of how deep is our love for the child Go has given to us to care for and nurture, guide and protect. The one thing God wants, above all else, is for the child to know God’s ways and to come to trust and love God. This journey begins with the event of baptism.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments of the Lutheran Church. To qualify as a sacrament there are three criteria: (I) Instituted by Jesus; (2) use of an earthly substance; and (3) contains a spiritual gift.

We look forward to the baptism of your child! Everything we have prepared for you is for the purpose of making this event a time that is in keeping with God’s will. We hope this booklet is helpful to you in answering your questions and helping you in preparation for the great day of your child’s baptism.

Questions frequently asked when preparing for a Baptism at St. Mark Lutheran Church

Q. What is the process for scheduling a baptism?A: Contact the church office (708-448-6555) and ask to speak

with Pastor Jay.

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Q. Are there any expenses or fees for baptism?A. There is no fee for baptism. If you wish to express your

gratitude to God for this wonderful gift, you are welcome to donate money in the offering plate during the worship service.

Q. When are baptisms held at St. Mark?A: The preference is the second, fourth, or fifth weekend of

each month. No baptisms are performed on Christmas or Easter.

Q. Do the parents need to be members of St. Mark before having a child baptized?

A: While membership is not a requirement, there can be no baptism apart from faith. The one baptized becomes a member of the Church and local congregation. The parents promise in the baptismal service to bring their child faithfully to worship and thoroughly educate and nurture their child in the Christian faith.

Q. Do we need to attend a Baptismal Workshop? What if we have attended a workshop for a previous child?

A. Baptismal workshops are never unduly long. They bring us together with pastors of our church and with the other parents who are also seeking God’s blessing for their child. It is important to attend a workshop for each child baptized.Not only do practices change, but we forget. We benefit from hearing again about the covenant we are making with God when we bring our children to be baptized.

Q. Does a child need a sponsor(s), sometimes called “Godparent?”

A. This is an area covered in greater detail in the pre-baptismal workshop. Sponsors are not required, but have a long tradition in the church. The chief responsibilities of a sponsor are:

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a.) To be an active participant in the life of the congregation (it can be of another Christian denomination) of which they are members. In this way they serve as a model for the baptized child.

b.) To be the child’s prayer agent. The sponsor(s) pray for the child on behalf of the whole Body of Believers.

c.) To be models of the Christian faith lived out in daily life.

A sponsor should not be chosen only because they are an aunt or uncle. If they do not fit the above description, they should not be considered.

d.) To remember and observe the baptismal anniversary. Children are enriched by knowing their baptismal birthday and having it celebrated.

Q. Does the sponsor(s) need to be Lutheran?A. The sponsor(s) need to be a member of a congregation

within the Christian faith, not necessarily a Lutheran congregation. When it is possible, an active Lutheran is the best choice because the traditions are the same. However, an active Roman Catholic, Methodist, etc. is always a better choice than an inactive Lutheran. To be a sponsor is not intended to be an “honor” but an intercessor in prayer and a spiritual example.

Q. Do we need to make an appointment with the Pastor?A. Yes, parents and sponsors will meet with the pastor for an

hour long baptismal class. If at all possible, to avoid distraction and interruption, it is better to attend the class without the baby. Please arrange for a sitter to care for your child during the class. The pastor likes to meet the sponsors and speak briefly with them about their role in the life-long

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promises they are about to make. If for whatever reason sponsors are unable to attend, please contact Pastor Jay.

Notes or questions that come to mind that you might want to raise at the workshop:

What we need from you . . .

At least two weeks before the baptism is scheduled we need the names and addresses of the sponsors, the full name of the child/person to be baptized together with their place of birth and a color photo of the child/person to be baptized.

Please complete the information form on the back of the bulletin.

For further information, please contact the pastor at:

St. Mark Lutheran Church11007 S. 76th Avenue, Worth, IL 60482

(708) 448-6555 (phone) (708) 448-6594 (fax)www.stmarkworth.org (web site)

stmarkworth@comcast.net (email)

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Information and DirectivesFor a

Baptism at St. Mark

1. Parent(s) and sponsor(s) will present the one to be baptized. Please remove the child’s hat or bonnet prior to the baptism.

2. The baptismal shell, napkin, and candle used in baptism are gifts from the congregation to be retained by the one baptized.

3. The baptismal party should be seated on the pulpit side of the congregation near the front.

4. If your child cries loudly after the baptism, you are invited to take them to the narthex (foyer) at the back of the church or to the downstairs nursery.

5. Flash pictures are not permitted during the service. Please inform family and friends. We need to keep in mind that baptism is a part of a worship service. A video of the baptism is permissible and suggested. The person taking the video should be seated in the front center pew and remain seated at all times. The camera mounted on a tripod will yield best results.

Prayer for the Baptized Child

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we give you thanks for freeing your sons and daughters from the power of sin and for raising them up in a new life through this holy sacrament. Pour your Holy Spirit upon _______________________; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence. Amen.

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Prayer for the Parents

O God, the giver of all life, look with kindness upon the fathers and mothers of these children. Let them ever rejoice in the gift you have given them. Make them teachers, and examples of righteousness for their children. Strengthen them in their own Baptism so they may share eternally with their children the salvation you have given them, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Baptism marks the beginning of a life-long relationship with Christ and His church. Baptism is a continuously unfolding commitment that shepherds us through life. We celebrate with you as we gather at the font! And, as we come together for baptism, we are reminded of our baptism and faith journey in the Christian church.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” NRSV

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BAPTISM INFORMATION (Child)

Date of Baptism: ________________ Service Time: _________

Child’s Name:_________________________________________

Child’s Picture: Yes

Birth date: ____________________________________________

Where: ______________________________________________

Parent’s Name: ________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

City, State, Zip:________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________

SPONSOR:___________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

SPONSOR: __________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

SPONSOR:___________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Baptism Class: ________________________________________