Baptism

​Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. Baptism is the sign of being washed in Christ’s burial and resurrection. Baptism also represents the entrance into discipleship and the acknowledgement that we belong to God and His Church where Christ is the head.

Baptism is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the ‘old life’ and we walk in a ‘new life’. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward grace of God, a commitment that must be followed through and lived out daily.

Here at East Orrington Congregational Church we practice baptism for adults and infants. In an adult baptism it is in conjunction with their personal profession of faith or, for some, affirming their faith again in a public forum.  It’s meant to show the world that that you love, trust, and have put your hope in Christ. Baptism confirms our position ‘in Christ’ and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children. Baptism does not make you a believer nor does it save you. Baptism shows the gathered community that you already believe and declare Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

 When a child is baptized it is on the understanding of God’s covenantal promises. While the child is not able to declare their faith for themselves the Church is showing God’s grace and love extends even before they can choose. Therefore, a parent or sponsor have the opportunity and privilege of presenting the child to receive the sign of God’s covenant. This is seen in our understanding of circumcision; Genesis 17:7-14 and Colossians 2:11 -14. We baptize infants because they are covenant children and should receive the sign of the covenant.

 In either case, Baptism is a celebration of God’s grace, what God has done, not what we have done nor our accolades. It is a means of grace which acts to seal the promises of the gospel, God’s Word. Baptism is not an end in itself but a beginning to a journey that points beyond itself to God’s grace and covenant faithfulness. It is based upon a covenantal relationship with God centered on the promises of Jesus Christ. While baptism is a personal choice it is not meant to be private. It is an action of community which represents the church in all times and places.

We Baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit knowing them to be one God manifested to us in three ways.

If you would like to be Baptized, please contact our office and the appropriate person will respond. Our telephone number is 207-825-3404 or by e-mail at eoccoffice@gmail.com