Baptism is a sacrament of Christian initiation, in which the
congregation of the church welcomes a person into membership in its family. Baptism is not
a ministry the church offers to the community at large, but a point of entry, a 'rite of
passage', an essential part of the life of the congregation. All who are baptized, whether
infant, child, or adult, are entered on the roll of Baptized Members of Bethany
United Methodist Church.
Baptism will be a part of the regular services of worship of the gathered congregation
of Bethany, except in highly unusual circumstances -- as when the one to be Baptized is
too ill or infirm to come to worship; in such cases, representatives of the congregation
should be present to affirm its participation in the Baptismal covenant.
Who may be Baptized?
In the United Methodist Church, Baptism is
available for people of all ages: adults and youth, children and infants.
Adults and youth
Baptism is available for those adults, youth, and older children who accept for
themselves the Christian faith, and the responsibilities of membership in a congregation
of the church. Such persons are entered in the roll of Professing Members of
Bethany United Methodist Church.
Children and infants
Baptism is available for younger children and infants, if the parents and other
sponsors ('God-parents') are Christians and active participants in a Christian
congregation, and if they are willing to promise to raise the child in the extended family
of the church and in an environment of Christian faith and love. We expect the
child’s parents and other sponsors to encourage their involvement in the church's
Sunday School and Christian Education programs, and we expect that the Baptized will be
given the opportunity as youth to accept for themselves in Confirmation the vows of
Christian faithfulness which the parents and sponsors made on their behalf at their
Baptism.
What do we require of Candidates, Parents
and Sponsors?
Before Baptism, the pastor will meet with the
candidate, or with the candidate's parents and/or sponsors, to be satisfied concerning
their growing Christian faith and their commitment toward the candidate's involvement in
the church.
Baptism in the Bethany congregation may be performed by sprinkling or by immersion, as
desired by the candidate. Since we have no facilities for immersion at Bethany, we would
need to 'gather at the river', or borrow the use of another congregation's Baptistery.
Will we re-Baptize?
There is no need for anyone to be re-Baptized. If a person wants to mark a renewal
of faith and commitment in public worship, we can hold a service of Renewal of
Baptismal Vows. We do not Baptize a person who is already Baptized. To Baptize again
would imply that God's grace was deficient in the person's Baptism. Once is enough.
What will it cost?
There will be no fees asked or accepted for Baptism, or for the sessions of counsel
or education leading to Baptism.
Confirmation
Confirmation has been referred to as the
"second half of Baptism", in which a person baptized as an infant or young child
accepts, for himself or herself, the Baptismal vows made on their behalf by their parents
or sponsors, professes their Christian faith, and accepts the responsibilities of Full
Membership in this congregation of the United Methodist Church.
For Youth
Annually at Bethany, we intend to offer confirmation classes for youth who are
considering the meaning of their faith. This series of classes usually will extend from
the beginning of the new year through Lent, with Confirmation being celebrated during the
main worship service of Easter.
For Adults
We require consultation with the pastor, to the pastor's satisfaction that the
candidate has a solid and growing commitment to Christian faith and active participation
in the life of the Bethany United Methodist Church.
We recommend that adult candidates for confirmation, and those transferring their
membership from other denominations, join with the pastor in a series of classes to review
basics of Christian faith and United Methodist traditions and policies. These classes will
be held upon request, in a series lasting approximately six weeks.
Professing Membership
A person may become a Professing Member of
Bethany United Methodist Church through one of two "doors":
Profession of Faith -- at Baptism, or at Confirmation of baptismal vows (for
people Baptized as infants), the candidate makes their first formal profession of
Christian faith before the congregation. Confirmation classes or a series of consultations
with the pastor are required.
Transfer of membership -- A person who has been a professing member of another
Christian congregation transfers their membership to this congregation. This is done by
letter or certificate sent from the former congregation to this one.
Special Categories of Membership
Members of other Christian congregations who are
"residing for an extended period in a city or community at a distance from the
member's home church" may be enrolled in Bethany as Affiliate Members (if
United Methodist) or Associate Members (if members of another denomination).
Affiliate and Associate members are eligible to hold offices and participate in all
activities open to other professing members, except those offices which would place them
on the Administrative Council.
These special categories of membership are intended for people who are temporary
residents of the area -- college students, people who maintain two residences, perhaps
folks in the armed forces. Affiliate or Associate membership ends when the person moves
away.
Changes in Membership Status
A person may leave membership at Bethany by death,
or through one of the following "doors":
Transfer of membership -- to another congregation of the United Methodist
Church, or to another denomination. We encourage all members who move too far from Bethany
for regular worship attendance to consider transferring their membership to a church
nearer their new residence.
Withdrawal -- Upon a member's request, he or she may withdraw membership from
the congregation, without becoming a member of another congregation.
Removal by Church Conference Action -- If a member is inactive, despite
encouragement to renew their active participation in the church for two consecutive years,
their membership may be removed by vote of the Church Conference in its annual meeting.
Reinstatement of Membership
Members who have withdrawn or been removed by Church Conference action may request to
have their membership reinstated at any time, either to become active again, or to
transfer their membership to another congregation.
