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What is baptism?
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we celebrate God’s redemption and adoption of us as his children, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace in a person’s life and relationship with God. It marks our birth and membership into Christ’s Body, the Church, and union with Christ in his death and resurrection, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
If the person baptized is an infant, the sacrament has one meaning. If the person baptized is an adult, the meaning is somewhat different.
But whatever the age of the one baptized, baptism is the birth rite of the worldwide Christian Church. We know from our own experience that, as we pass from certain states of existence to others, some rite is often performed. An immigrant who becomes an American citizen participates in the rite of becoming a citizen. A civilian who joins the armed services participates in a similar rite of passage. The rite speaks to both the individual and the whole community.
In just the same way, when one becomes a member of the Christian family, either by being born into a Christian home or by deciding for himself that he has come to believe in Christ as his Lord and wants to join the Church, a definite rite or ceremony is performed - baptism.
BAPTISM AT THE FALLS CHURCH ANGLICAN
Baptisms are held at least six times per year (about every other month) at the 9 am and 11 am services. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, the first step in the process is an appointment with the clergy. Contact Donna Wills at dwills@tfcanglican.org or 571/ 282 -0207 to arrange an appointment.
What do I need to do?
- Contact Donna Wills at dwills@tfcanglican.org or 571/282-0207 to make an appointment to meet with a clergy member and receive a packet of information about baptism. At the clergy meeting, you will be able to confirm the date for baptism and determine whether any additional requirements are needed prior to that date.
- Return the forms to Donna Wills in the church office. You are not registered for baptism until the forms are returned.
- Attend two baptismal classes prior to baptism. They are held from 11 am to 12:30 pm on the two Sunday mornings prior to the baptism date (see schedule below).
- Attend the baptism rehearsal on the morning of the baptism.
Do we baptize infants? Why?
Yes, we do. Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God. Infant baptism has been a practice of the Church throughout most of the Church’s history and can be traced back to the second century.
Do we baptize older children and adults?
Yes! We love to welcome people into the family of God. Older children and adults also meet with the clergy. At the clergy’s discretion, alternate tasks may be required in order to ensure they understand the commitment they are making.
I have already been baptized in another denomination. Do I need to be re-baptized to join The Falls Church Anglican?
No. We accept baptism in other denominations of the Church as valid, as long as you were baptized with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
When do you have baptisms?
They are scheduled for Sunday worship services at 9 am and 11 am. They are held in January, March, May, July, August, and October.
What about godparents?
They must be active and instructed members of a Christian church, because they will be making vows that only a strong believer can in good conscience make. We require that they send us a reference from their pastor, if they are not members of The Falls Church Anglican.
Do you have private baptisms?
No, baptism is the public rite of initiation into the Church, so baptisms are a normal part of our corporate worship as the Body of Christ. Clinical baptism is administered to the gravely ill.
Do we need to be members?
If the parents of children to be baptized are not yet members of The Falls Church Anglican, we ask that they make the commitment to join the church and attend the next series of the Newcomers Course and Confirmation Course. However, their child may be baptized before these classes are completed. For information about these classes, contact Erin O'Keefe at (571) 282-0700 or eokeefe@tfcanglican.org. Adult baptism candidates shouild be members or in the process of becoming members of TFCA.
What is required of us at baptism?
It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Attending two baptism classes, which explain the meaning of this Sacrament, is also required.
If I have more questions?
Call Donna Wills, Admin Assistant for Pastoral Care, at (571) 282-0207 or email dwills@tfcanglican.org.
March 10 - Classes are Feb. 24 and March 3
May 12 - Classes are April 28 and May 5
July 14 - Classes are June 30 and July 7
August 25 - Classes are Aug. 11 and 18
October 27- Classes are Oct. 13 and 20
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