Baptisms
In the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, water and God’s promises connect the one who is baptized with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This sacrament is an outward sign of God’s unbreakable promises of forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ. Baptism is once and for all. It is for people of any age. Baptism is God’s gracious act and so no one is too young or old to receive God’s gift.
Prior to baptism, parents and their children are required to participate in a Saturday morning class (2nd Saturday of every month at 9:15–10:45 am) to explore the meaning of baptism and to become familiar with the service. Baptismal sponsors are also welcome and encouraged to attend this class.
Baptisms are held on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month (with a few exceptions) and are limited to two baptisms at each service.
Baptisms During COVID-19
During COVID-19, we are currently allowing one baptism family to participate in an onsite baptism in our Sanctuary on most Sundays. All baptisms are live-streamed at blctcmn.co/stream as part of our regular Sunday morning worship service at 10:15 am. Attendance is limited to 10 households, with a maximum of 25 people total. Other social distancing and masking practices will be observed as well. The Bethlehem community will make their sacred promises to those being baptized via livestream consent. Staff and musicians will be the only other participants physically present at this service.
During COVID-19, baptism classes will be conducted via Zoom on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:15 am.