Baptism
Infant Baptism: We believe this sacrament is best understood as a child’s first step in a lifelong journey of faith, rather than a one-time rite or ritual. Baptism is about creating a holy moment with God for you and your child. It is an opportunity to give thanks to God for your child and to ask God to accompany you as you set out to raise your child in the knowledge of God’s love for them. The service includes vows were parents and the whole congregation make an ongoing commitment to raising children in a loving and faithful way.
If you are wishing to have a child baptized, but are not currently attending Newcastle United Church, we encourage contacting Rev. Elaine early and attending a number of Sundays ahead to see if this church is a good fit for you as a family.
Parents are required to attend a baptism preparation class prior to the baptism.
Adult Membership: If you are a member in good standing of any Christian church, by baptism and confirmation of faith, and have moved to the Newcastle area and find you wish to become a member of Newcastle United Church, a transfer of membership is easily arranged.
Folks who have never formally joined a church, or who have been away from the formal practice of their faith for some time, or were baptized as children, but were not confirmed, are encouraged to take part in Adult Membership preparation. This is a series of three classes that give you the opportunity to explore your own spiritual journey and review the basics of Christian discipleship. After taking the classes folks may choose to be baptized or, if they were baptized as children, be confirmed in their faith or if they have already been baptized and confirmed, they may choose to participate in a ceremony of renewing their faith.
Adult Baptism: Individuals who were never baptized may have an adult baptism at a Sunday service following participation in Adult Membership preparation. This is a series of three classes that give you the opportunity to explore your own spiritual journey and learn about the basics of Christian discipleship.