Baptismal Covenant I

Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism We are initiated into Christ's holy church.

We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation And given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.

Through the reaffirmation of our faith, we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ's holy church.

Call Family forward

Brief introduction (if needed)

Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith

[4 The pastor addresses parents or other sponsors and those candidates who can answer for themselves:]

To Parents:

On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, Reject the evil powers of this world, And repent of your sin?

I DO

Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you To resist evil, injustice, and oppression In whatever forms they present themselves?

I DO

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, Put your whole trust in his grace, And promise to serve him as your Lord, In union with the church which Christ has opened To people of all ages, nations, and races?

I DO

[5 The pastor addresses parents or other sponsors of candidates not able to answer for themselves:]

Will you nurture this child in Christ's holy church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God's grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?

I WILL

[8 The pastor addresses the congregation:]

To Church:

Do you, as Christ's body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ?

WE DO

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these people now before you in your care?

WITH GOD'S HELP WE WILL PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS AND LIVE ACCORDING TO THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST.

WE WILL SURROUND THESE PEOPLE WITH A COMMUNITY OF LOVE AND FORGIVENESS, THAT THEY MAY GROW IN THEIR TRUST OF GOD, AND BE FOUND FAITHFUL IN THEIR SERVICE TO OTHERS.

WE WILL PRAY FOR THEM, THAT THEY MAY BE TRUE DISCIPLES WHO WALK IN THE WAY THAT LEADS TO LIFE.

[Bringing Water Forward]

[10 If there are baptisms, or if water is to be used for reaffirmation, the water may be poured into the font at this time, and the following prayer offered:]

The Lord be with you.

AND ALSO WITH YOU

Let us pray.

Eternal Father:

When nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light.

In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow.

When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea.

Their children you brought through the Jordan to the land which you promised.

SING TO THE LORD, ALL THE EARTH. TELL OF GOD'S MERCY EACH DAY.

In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. He was baptized by John and anointed by your spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.

DECLARE HIS WORKS TO THE NATIONS, HIS GLORY AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE.

Pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water and all who receive it, to wash away their sin and clothe them in righteousness and throughout their lives, that, dying and being raised with Christ, they may share in his final victory.

ALL PRAISE TO YOU, ETERNAL FATHER, THROUGH YOUR SON JESUS CHRIST, WHO WITH YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES AND REIGNS FOR EVER. AMEN.

[Take the child]

By what name will this child be called?

FIRST MIDDLE

First Middle, I baptize you in the name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit.

[The people respond:]

AMEN

[To the newly baptized:]

The Holy Spirit work within you, That being born through water and the Spirit, You may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

[The people respond:]

AMEN

[To the congregation:]

Now it is our joy to welcome our new brother/sister in Christ.

THROUGH BAPTISM YOU ARE INCORPORATED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO GOD'S NEW CREATION AND MADE TO SHARE IN CHRIST'S ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS. WITH JOY AND THANKSGIVING WE WELCOME YOU AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY OF CHRIST.

For those of us, who are remembering our baptism and renewing our commitments:

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

AMEN

[The family will be at the center door as you exit this morning, so you can greet and congratulate them.]

Benediction