Welcoming, Blessing and Belonging
Baptismal Policy for Melrose United Church
Melrose United Church embraces a theology of inclusion and, as such, welcomes all who wish to be initiated into the Body of Christ through baptism. Those requesting baptism, either for themselves or their children, do not need to be members of Melrose. It is not up to us to decide how God's grace will be mediated: that is for God.
Making the Covenant
Baptism celebrates God's initiative and our response. It is God's "Yes" to us, and our "Yes" to God. It is a sign of the Divine-human covenant. Baptism flows from God's grace and pours out in lives of gratitude and commitment. As initiation into the Church, the Body of Christ, it is an act of welcoming, blessing, and belonging.
Our baptismal identity is both individual and communal. Baptism honours the diversity of individuals and challenges us to be a community of equals.
Baptism for infants and young children proclaims the unconditional grace and love of God. It is also a reminder of the wonder, blessing, and new
responsibilities that come with a new life.
In the case of adults, baptism is a moving witness to the work of the Spirit in individual and corporate commitment. It is also a celebration of the promise of new life and growth in faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is strongly suggested that an adult being baptized or at least one of the parents of the child being baptized attend a minimum of one regular Sunday worship service prior to the Sunday of the baptism. It is hoped that those who are baptized will continue to be a part of the Melrose faith community in the days and years after baptism.
Melrose requires that an adult being baptized, and at least one adult on behalf of a child being baptized or dedicated, must offer informed consent to all the questions & promises in the baptismal covenant. This will normally happen by attending at least one information meeting with the Melrose minister which will explore what baptism means in The United Church of Canada and at Melrose and what it means to those requesting baptism
Please reach us at melrose@melroseunited.ca