For more information on baptisms, please contact Joan Karr at jkarr@hempfieldumc.com or 285-5156, ext. 222.

Baptism is a sacrament in which God uses common elements — in this case, water — as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism does not mean you are saved. Salvation is a lifelong process during which we must continue to respond to God’s grace. Baptism offers the promise that the Holy Spirit will always be working in our lives, but salvation requires our acceptance of that grace, trust in Christ, and ongoing growth in holiness as long as we live. In addition, you do not need to be baptized to be saved. Baptism is a gift of God’s grace to be received as part of the journey of salvation. To refuse to accept baptism is to reject one of the means of grace that God offers us. Baptism is the act of initiation and incorporation into the universal church of Jesus Christ, the United Methodist Church and the local congregation.

In order to be baptized, you must profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Baptisms are done by sprinkling or immersion.