one Lord
one faith
one baptism
Baptism has many meanings for Presbyterians: it is the outward sign of God's claim on our lives; it is a cleansing from sin; it symbolizes our dying and rising with Christ to new life. For Trinity, a church which strives to honor and celebrate the diversity of God's world, baptism is also a sign of our connection to others. Our denomination's constitution says this about baptism:
The body of Christ is one, and Baptism is the bond of unity in Christ. As they are united with Christ through faith, Baptism unites the people of God with each other and with the church of every time and place. Barriers of race, gender, status, and age are to be transcended. Barriers of nationality, history, and practice are to be overcome.
-Directory for Worship,
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Presbyterians usually baptize young children. We do this for three reasons.
All parents of children are encouraged to present their children for baptism when they are young. However, some of our families choose not to have their children baptized. We honor that decision with the understanding that baptism does not win one's salvation, but rather is a sign of God's eternal love for each of us.
Because baptism is a sign of God's covenantal love for all of us, Presbyterians celebrate baptism in public worship. Baptism is not only a time when we celebrate God's loving claim on an individual, but is also a time for each of us to remember our own baptism and rejoice in God's love for us.
At Trinity, baptisms occur at the beginning of worship when other children are present. The family is invited forward; they are welcome to invite other family members and friends to join them. The parents are asked questions about their own faith and their intention to raise their child in the Christian faith. The minister then baptizes the child. After the baptism and a blessing, a member of the church prays for the child and presents him or her with a rainbow. Then, as the congregation sings a song of welcome, the minister walks the child up and down the aisle so everyone can see the newest member of God's family.
Some parents wonder about godparents. If your child has godparents who will be active in their faith life, you are encouraged to invite them to the baptism; they will be asked questions about their commitment. However, Presbyterians understand that the entire congregation serves as godparents. Most baptisms at Trinity do not have godparents present.