Sacrament of Baptism
“Baptism is a symbolic action that signifies the new life God gives us as we join the church community. Baptism uses water as a symbolic cleansing that signifies the acceptance of new life within the church family. The sacrament of baptism is the single rite of initiation into the Christian community, the church.1”
Our pastoral charge performs baptisms for people of all ages:
Infant Baptism: Parents are asked to attend a baptism preparation meeting with our minister to explore the meaning of Baptism and what has led you to seeking out this Sacrament. This meeting can be arranged in person or online using Zoom. Following this meeting, a recommendation for Baptism is brought to our Session for approval and a date for Baptism is set based on our worship schedule and the availability of our minister. Baptisms can be requested at any time but please note that it can take at least two weeks to one month to plan for a Baptism.
Adult Baptism: For the purposes of Baptism, it is assumed that anyone over the age of twelve is able to decide for themselves if they would like to be Baptized and become a member of the United Church. When an adult is baptized it is done in conjunction with Confirmation which gives membership in a local congregation as well as within the United Church of Canada. Confirmation classes are traditionally held once a year, usually in the late winter or early spring. Once classes are held, then a service of Confirmation is held. It is at this time that an adult Baptism would occur along with the act of Confirmation. These classes are usually done in person within a group setting.
Weddings
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, we would be delighted to celebrate with you! All three of our church buildings are available for wedding ceremonies and our minister is also willing to discuss wedding ceremonies in alternative locations. If you are interested in having our minister perform your marriage you are encouraged to reach out to as soon as possible to discuss dates and ensure availability. Once a date is booked, you will be asked to participate in one or more marriage preparation meetings in advance of your wedding. Usually our minister will reach out to you two to three months before your wedding date to book these meetings. This will be an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be making a marriage covenant and to share with one another as you prepare for this commitment. It is also the time to discuss and plan the marriage ceremony together. To learn more about what to expect when planning a wedding with us, please refer to our marriage policy which also includes information about our fees.
- https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/welcome-united-church-canada/what-we-believe/baptism-and-communion ↩︎
For more information, you can reach out to the Pastoral Charge:
Phone Number: 902-831-2807
E-Mail: bidefordpc@gmail.com
Bideford Pastoral Charge 