INFANT BAPTISM Infant Baptism REFERENCE GUIDE † If you are interested in having your child baptized at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, the first step is to schedule a meeting with the pastor. Call the church office (813) 837-1541 or email [email protected]. † During the meeting, the pastor will discuss the significance of baptism, your role in baptism, and the church’s role in baptism. The pastor will also provide you with an Infant Baptism Form to complete. Once the baptism date has been set, it will be added to the church calendar. † The normal pattern for the Sacrament of Baptism is that it takes place during a worship service. You may choose either the 9:00 or 11:00 am Traditional Service. † There is NO financial charge for a baptism. "One tiny hand to guide and hold, One tiny life to shape and mold; each child, a gift from God above, a symbol of His strength and love." 3723 W Bay to Bay Blvd. | Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 837-1541 | [email protected] - Author Unknown www.palmaceiaumc.org WHAT IS BAPTISM? WHEN ARE BAPTISMS GODPARENTS Baptism is one of the two sacraments SCHEDULED? In The United Methodist Church we recognized by The United Methodist As part of the Sacrament of Baptism the have “baptismal sponsors.” These Church (the other being Holy Com- congregation commits itself to helping persons commit themselves to support- munion). A sacrament is an “outward the parents raise their child in the ing your child’s faith development and sign of an inward grace.” Through bap- community of Christian faith. There- are invited to be part of the baptism tism, we experience God’s grace and fore, baptisms are part of the worship service. Sponsors need not be members, are incorporated into Christ’s church. service on Sunday mornings and can be but should be baptized Christians. scheduled during the 8:30am, 9:40am or When you meet with the pastor prior to the baptism, you can discuss your plan In The United Methodist Church, we 11:00am service. Baptisms are generally for sponsors. Sponsors are not required. offer the Sacrament of Baptism to not scheduled on the first Sunday of people of any age and we recognize the any month due to Holy Communion. baptism of every other Christian BAPTISM SERVICE denomination. DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO During the worship service the pastor HAVE MY CHILD BAPTIZED? will call the family and sponsors (if applicable) to the baptismal font. The INFANT BAPTISM Baptism is the act of initiation and pastor will give the examination of faith In infant baptism, parents take vows on incorporation into the church universal, to the parents, to the sponsors, and then behalf of their child, committing to The United Methodist Church, and the to the congregation. The pastor will raise their child as part of a Christian local congregation. Since the child then take the child and baptize him/ community. Children who are baptized being baptized is becoming part of the her, present the child to the congrega- as infants continue to grow in their church, the parents are committing to tion, and return the child to the parents. faith through involvement in the raise their child in the church, and the After the worship service, parents will church and “confirm” their baptism congregation is committing to support be given a rose bud and a Certificate of vows during Confirmation (generally the parents, families who plan to bap- Baptism. around 6th grade). tize their child at Palma Ceia United Methodist ought to be members who are actively involved in the ministry of CAN WE TAKE PICTURES OR the church. VIDEO OF THE BAPTISM? Photography/videography should be If you are not yet a member, the pastor taken in a discrete manner and should helping you with the baptism arrange- not interrupt the worship service. We ments will discuss membership with request that flash not be used and that you. guests remain seated. Pictures can be staged and taken following the service. .