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.

The United Church offers baptism to all ages. We believe the gift of God’s love doesn’t depend on our ability to understand it, so we baptize people as infants right up through adulthood.  With children, instruction is given to parents or sponsors to equip them for the child’s Christian nurture. During the ceremony, everyone in the congregation pledges support for the child and his or her parents.

Baptism is not a requirement for God’s love. We believe people who die without baptism are in no way condemned, lost, or damned.

Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian church that practise infant baptism. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their baptism and welcomes them as Christians.

It is our sincere hope and prayer that all parents bringing their children forward for baptism will do so in the spirit of love and commitment to both the children and to the Christian church.

It is our intent that we as a church should receive parents with their children in the spirit of love, and further that we will provide a warm and spiritual relationship in which the children may learn and grow in the life of Jesus Christ and the church.

With this in mind, we offer the following guidelines: 

  • We would hope that one or both parents are members of the United Church of Canada.
  • We would encourage parents to be actively involved in the life of a United Church congregation in their community before and after baptism.
  • Parents will be required to meet with the Minister prior to the baptism date.
  • The congregation will endeavour to provide an active and ongoing Christian education program so that all baptized children grow up within the life of the congregation.

Fees

Baptisms are performed during regular church services, and therefore there is no fee for Baptism.  A donation to the church is greatly appreciated.

You are welcome to use our church hall for a small reception after the Baptism.  Both churches offer a hall and kitchen for a small reception.  If you wish to book the church hall, please contact our Bookings Coordinator to make arrangements

If you are interested in Baptism at our church, please complete the below form or call and speak to our Minister or Church Secretary for more information about Baptism at either Tottenham or Rich Hill United Church.

Contacts for Tottenham Rich Hill Pastoral Charge

Pastoral Charge MinisterPastor Dyanne Marlok (905) 936-3091 (leave a message) [email protected]
  
Bookings CoordinatorJennifer Gilbert [email protected]
  

While sometimes our office hours are irregular, please leave a message and we will return your message as soon as possible.