As Lutherans we believe that baptism is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and an outward sign of receiving of the person into the family of God. Baptism: in the water and the word, becomes a sacrament, an outward sign of God's grace. In our baptisms, through the water and the word, we are named and claimed as God's beloved child, adopted into God's family, and marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Baptism is an event that takes place in community. Because baptism is welcoming the person into God's family, we want baptism to take place among God's people. During baptism, the baptizee (or their sponsors and parents in case of a child or infant) make promises to live among God's people, to study scripture, and to serve God and neighbor. The community gathered represents all of God's family and also makes promises to walk with the baptizee in their faith journey, supporting them and praying for them along the way.
Baptisms take place at Salem during our regular Sunday morning worships. There is no cost to baptisms, because baptism is a gift from God and the core of who we are as a community: the family of God and the body of Christ. Anyone wishing to be baptized or have their child baptized is welcome to come to Salem to have their baptism. If you are not already part of Salem's community, we invite you to come to experience worship with us a couple times to see if this is the community you feel called to be baptized in and know what our worship is like.
Before any baptism takes place, our Pastor schedules a couple times to meet beforehand. At these meetings, Pastor will ask questions about why you feel called to be baptized, what baptism means to you, and how you plan to follow through on your baptismal promises. You will also talk about what Lutheran baptism is, the service and the promises that you make, and schedule a date that works for your schedule and the church's schedule.