Baptism is one of the two sacraments we celebrate here at Zion. This holy sacrament welcomes the child being baptized into God's family. In it, God's word and the element of water are used to proclaim in a tangible way God's free gifts of grace and forgiveness. Baptism is a very special time in the life of an individual and this community of faith.
What does "sacrament" mean?
A sacrament is a ritual action using something ordinary (like water or bread and wine), which, when connected to scripture and promised-filled words of Jesus, becomes a means of grace--a means of conveying God's favor or blessing to us.
What is Baptism?
The word comes from a greek word "baptisma" that means "dipping of water" or "washing". Baptism unites us with Christ and makes us children of God.
Why baptize little ones?
So we might come to know Christ and his gifts for what they are—our own, through all that life might bring. God mandates through the instruction of Jesus Christ to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). When children are old enough to understand and take their own decisions, they affirm their baptism by going through confirmation, where they take the promises their parents made for them at baptism and make those promises for themselves. Baptism does not 'save' you; only your faith in Christ does that.
What is a Sponsor? (commonly called a God-parent)A sponsor is someone who serves in a partnership with parents to nurture the child in their christian faith. A sponsor does not need to be a relative but someone who will help your child grow in their spiritual journey. A sponsor will pray for the child regularly, model love, care, and a Christ-centered faith for the child, encourage and assist the child in his/her relationship with Christ, and be a regular presence in the life of the child.
If you have any questions, please contact
info@zionclearlake.org.
