Baptism
Jesus “came that we might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). We take frequent opportunities to celebrate together the changes, blessings, and richness given to us by God. Baptism is one of the most wonderful ways by which Jesus Christ called the church to joyfully celebrate God’s hopes for and involvement in the human race.
What does baptism really mean?
Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognized by churches in the Presbyterian Church (USA), the other being communion. A sacrament, by definition, is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace. Called by Jesus to do so, baptism is a ritual act that uses the tangible sign of water to expresses God’s love and grace in a special way.
Does PRPC baptize infants as well as adults?
The baptism of children speaks to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. The baptism of adults shares to the truth that God longs for us to respond consciously to God’s love with active repentance and the gift of our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength. Both are the sign and seal of inclusion in God’s grace and covenant with Christ. Both imply a continuing call to confirm the promises made by an ongoing life of discipleship and spiritual growth.
How do I arrange for a baptism or dedication to be performed?
All baptisms or dedications at PRPC must be reviewed and approved by the Session. The individual, or their parents, must contact one of the pastors before the Session will act on your baptism request. Please contact Pastor Josh at josh@parkridgepresby.org or Pastor Amanda at amanda@parkridgepresby.org to start the conversation about baptism. Please contact the pastor whom you would like to perform the baptism.
The individual to be baptized — or at least one of the parents of the individual in the case of a proposed infant baptism or dedication — must be a member of Park Ridge Presbyterian Church. Since baptism is into the community of faith, it normally ought to be done in the church which will be the individual’s weekly spiritual home from that point forward.
The family or individual requesting the baptism must then meet with the pastor who you want to perform the baptism. After the meeting, the pastor will add the baptism request to the next Session meeting agenda. The pastor will notify the family or individual of the decision of the Session.
After the Session reviews and approves a baptism request, the pastor will then schedule a specific baptismal date and time. It should be noted that there is a possibility that more than one individual will be baptized during the same service.
Questions?
We hope this helps to answer many of your questions. Please feel free to contact the church office at 847.823.4135 or via e-mail office@parkridgepresby.org if we can be helpful to you and/or your family in any way or if you have questions that have not been answered on this page.