Baptism
Baptism is the sign of belief in Jesus. Baptism symbolizes burial and resurrection, and thus is the mark of a believer’s identification with Jesus Christ. Logically, baptism ought to follow belief which is the case with adult baptism. But, coming out of the Jewish tradition of circumcision, Christian parents include their children in the external expressions of faith. Scripture encourages parents that if they “train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22.6) And thus, for centuries parents have had their children baptized in the confidence that God will bring these same children into a mature, vibrant Christian faith.
Godparents/Sponsors
Godparents, or sponsors, stand with the parents and join them in promising to do all in their power to insure the Christian nurture of a child presented for baptism. In the event of such tragedy that the parents could not fulfill their promise, the responsibility falls to the Godparents. Godparents may be of any denomination, but must be believing, practicing, participating, and baptized members of some part of Christ’s church, willing to carry out the promises made in the service. We would prefer practicing and presently participating members of other churches to nominal or indifferent Christians.
Schedule a Baptism
In our baptismal service, the whole congregation joins the parents and Godparents in making the promises on behalf of the child. This underscores the importance of sharing such an event with the “Family of the Church” rather than having it a private affair.
To schedule a baptism, please contact Fr. Curt Benham, Associate Rector at 904.824.2876 or frcurt@trinitysta.org for availability before completing the form.