Baptism
When is Baptism celebrated?
Baptism is a personal celebration in the lives of individuals and their families. It is also a pledge and commitment of the local church family for one’s continued formation in the faith. For this reason, baptism at Kingston United Methodist Church takes place during and in the presence of the community gathered for worship on Sunday morning.
If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized, please email Pastor Skitch (skitch@kingstonmethodist.org) to set up a time to chat.
What does Baptism signify?
The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism, a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, we experience the power of forgiveness, renewal of the spirit, and knowledge of the call to be God’s people always.
Baptism: A New Beginning
Baptism is for persons of all ages (infants, children and adults) who have never been baptized before. Baptism marks acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, a sign and seal of God’s grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of a Christian faith and life.
The United Methodist Church recognizes the validity of all baptisms; therefore, there is no need for re-baptism. If one is unsure whether baptism was previously received, a conditional phrase may be added at the time of receiving the sacrament, such as “if you are not already baptized.”
Communion
Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month, with additional opportunities offered at special times of the year. The congregation is invited to come forward to the communion railing and is administered the sacrament via intinction. Each person is given a piece of bread and then offered the cup* to dip the bread in and eat.
“In the United Methodist Church, the communion table is “open to all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and share in the community of God’s people.””
You need not be a member of our church or of any church to partake. We simply ask that you come seeking the new life and forgiveness that is being offered in the sacrament. Home or hospital communion is available upon request of one of our pastors.
At Kingston United Methodist Church, parents are encouraged to decide whether to bring their children to receive communion. There is no age limitation on receiving of the sacrament in our church, but we recognize that every family needs to make that decision on their own.
*In the United Methodist Church, grape juice is used in place of wine for full participation.