Holy Baptism
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we become members of the church which is the Body of Christ. We baptize because Christ commanded us to do so.
Baptism is the visible expression of God’s grace & love for us. This sacrament takes place in the midst of the community of faith. Christ connected God’s Word with water so that we might see & feel God’s love for us. The Word of God connected to the water of baptism literally puts to death the old sinful self in us.
One of the metaphors used for baptism is adoption. We are adopted in baptism as children of God & inheritors of eternal life. Through baptism, God forgives our sins, opens us to a new life and bestows the gift of salvation. In this holy sacrament, we are literally born again. This calls forth from us a life of faith that moves from death to life, and repentance to renewal.
Because we affirm the total inclusiveness of God’s love and God’s family, we practice baptism for all. You do not need to be a member of Bethany to be baptized at Bethany. If you are an adult, we ask that you make an appointment with one of our pastors to discuss this important sacrament. If you are baptizing your child, we ask that you attend a baptism seminar prior to the baptism. These one hour seminars are held approximately once a month on a Saturday. Baptism is performed during the worship service, and can be done at any service on most Sundays. Call Janice Lyon @ (303)758-2820 X345 to arrange for the seminar and to schedule the baptism.
If you are baptizing your child, we ask that you consider membership as one of the ways to fulfill the commitments made in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, “to faithfully bring your children to the services of God’s house and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith.” New Member Orientation classes are held four times each year; you can sign up at the Hospitality Desk or call Janice @ the church office.
Contact: Janice Lyon
Phone: (303) 758-2820
E-Mail: janice@bethany-denver.org
