Upcoming Baptism Dates:
Contact Tina Stepanovich, Administrative Assistant at (440) 835-3050 or churchoffice@stpaulwestlake.org for dates.
Baptisms at St. Paul Lutheran Church
We are so excited you are planning on having your child baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Baptism is one’s entry into God’s family and we want to partner with you on this spiritual journey you are embarking on. There is no greater task parents have than raising their children to be followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us what we are to do… ”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Not only are we to baptize, but we are also told to teach our children about God.
Baptism Instruction Highlights:
~Parent participation in all three preparation sessions is expected of anyone wishing to have their child baptized at St. Paul. Sessions will take place on Sundays from 9:50-10:50 AM at St. Paul.
~During the three sessions, you will not only learn about what baptism is, but will also build relationships with peers who are in a similar life stage as you and be equipped to raise your child in the faith.
Next Steps:
1. Enroll in the baptism classes immediately preceding your child’s baptism date. You can do this by calling or emailing Pastor Jeff Smith at (440) 835-3050 x126 or jsmith@stpaulwestlake.org
2. Prioritize the three baptism sessions. Participation is expected of anyone wishing to have their child baptized at St. Paul.
3. Plan on participating in the 2 year old Faith Step when it is time (more details will be shared with you at a later date).
Some basic Q & A on the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
What is Baptism?–Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God’s command and connected with God’s Word.
Which is that word of God?–Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
What does Baptism give or profit?–It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are such words and promises of God?–Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
How can water do such great things?–It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.
What does such baptizing with water signify?–It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?–St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.