The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms from other faiths and churches and therefore does not re-baptize people, but we do encourage people to attend a special baptism worship service to remember their baptisms.

What is Baptism?

• Baptism is a means of grace by which God works within us, strengthening our faith in him. Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.

Who should be baptized? 

• People of all ages are encouraged to be baptized at UMCburg. Baptism of infants and young children is an opportunity for parents to publicly declare their trust in Jesus as their personal Savior and to invite the help of Jesus and our church family as they commit to raise their child as part of the community of faith.
• In Acts 16:33-34, Luke describes the head of a household deciding to have his whole family baptized by the Apostle Paul as a demonstration of his intention that they would now be a Christian household. In the baptism of an infant or young child, we are reminded of the unconditional love of God that goes before us and the undeserved grace of God that sustains us. Children are nurtured in the church and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their baptism when they reach the age of reason.
• Adults are invited to proclaim their trust in Jesus and receive the waters of baptism. We baptize with water, inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit into the person’s life.