What is it?

In many religions, water is a powerful symbol of spiritual cleansing and new life.  In the Jewish tradition, non-Jewish converts were immersed in water as part of their initiation into the Hebrew faith.  Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River at the beginning of his mission here on earth, and he commissioned his disciples to baptize people of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Throughout their 2000 year history, baptism has been a sign and seal of incorporation into Jesus Christ for his followers.  When people are baptized, they experience a symbolic death to what separates them from God and are raised to newness of life in Christ.  It is an experience of being united to God and receiving his presence and power, and then being equipped for the life-mission God gives. 

Vine is part of a tradition which sees baptism as a sign of God's covenantal relationship with his people, connecting back to the Old Testament ritual of circumcision.  Baptism is a mark of God's gracious new covenant in Christ, which cannot be earned or merited because of someone's actions or way of living.  It is a gift which is responded to by turning away from a state of living separate from God and walking as a follower of Jesus Christ.  It is not a completion, but a beginning of God's work in the life of a faithful believer.  Therefore, we do not re-baptize anyone who has previously been baptized either as a child or an adult in any Christian faith tradition or denomination.

 

Who Is This For?

Both adult Jesus followers and children of Jesus followers are included in God's love.  For infants and young children, baptism reveals the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith.  It symbolizes the beginning of a process in which God, the family, and the community of faith join together to bring a child to the knowledge of God and the place where the child places his/her life in Jesus' hands on their own.

For adults being baptized as they also make a profession of faith and commitment to Christ, it reveals the truth that God's grace calls for a new style of life as they walk with Jesus.

 

How Does Baptism Happen At Vine?

The method of celebrating Baptism varies from tradition to tradition, and Vine seeks to honor this by offering a variety of opportunities for Baptism.

• Baptism for children and for adults making a profession of faith will be held once a quarter at the Vine worship gathering. The baptismal basin will be used and the method of sprinkling water on the head will be offered.

 

• Baptism for adults making a profession of faith and wishing to be fully immersed as part of this experience will have that opportunity two times per year at a special church social event, using a swimming pool or alligator-free body of water.

 

• A baby dedication.  We recognize the fact that not all families desire their children to be baptized as infants, but rather be dedicated, and wait for Baptism at a later date when they are older and make their own profession of faith.

 

So, what do I do?

 

• If you desire to be baptized, or have one of your children baptized, please call the church office and ask to speak to Bev Jones (686-7187 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .) Dates for upcoming baptism opportunities will be available to you at that time.

 

• IMPORTANT NOTE: it is not required that you be baptized to participate in the Vine Community. Baptism is a symbol of a deeper faith commitment, not a necessity for inclusion in Vine's life and mission. You are encouraged to come forward for Baptism after prayerful consideration and seeking spiritual counsel.

 

• Because of the nature of Vine's worship and the planning required, special baptism dates at Vine worship gatherings will not be possible. The sanctuary service, however, offers greater scheduling flexibility. Ask the pastor's secretary for details.