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Being Baptized

Baptism in The United Methodist Church is open to all people of all ages.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments celebrated in The United Methodist Church (the other is Holy Communion). It is a sign of God's grace and love, the moment when a person is welcomed into the family of Christ's church. At Laingsburg United Methodist Church, we are always glad to talk with anyone who is considering baptism for themselves or for a child.

What United Methodists Believe About Baptism

United Methodists understand baptism as something God does first. Our part is to respond to God's love in faith. That is why both infants and adults can be baptized: an infant cannot yet speak for themselves, but God's grace is already at work in their life, and parents and the congregation promise to nurture them in the faith until they can claim it for themselves at confirmation.

  • All ages: Infants, children, youth and adults may be baptized.
  • Once for a lifetime: Because baptism is God's action, United Methodists do not re-baptize. Christians baptized in another church are recognized as baptized.
  • Any mode: Baptism may be by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. Sprinkling is most common in our worship services.
  • In community: Baptisms usually take place during Sunday worship, because the whole congregation makes promises to support the person being baptized.

To learn more, read "By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism" at UMC.org.

Arranging a Baptism

If you, a loved one, or someone you know is interested in being baptized, please contact the church through our contact page or speak with the pastor after worship. The pastor will meet with you to talk about the meaning of baptism, answer your questions and choose a Sunday for the celebration.

Baptizing a Child?

Parents or guardians make promises to raise the child in the Christian faith, and the congregation promises to surround the family with love and support. Many families invite sponsors or godparents to stand with them. Our Children's Ministries page shows how children are welcomed into the life of the church.

Related Pages

Join Us This Sunday

Worship with us in person at 210 N. Crum Street in Laingsburg or online on Facebook every Sunday at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome here.

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