Leading Worship Baptism Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 Leading Worship Baptism Rev. Sarah Mount Elewononi 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 The Sacraments One of the main reasons Local Pastor’s need to have a licence – we are saying that you are able to lead the congregation rightly in observing the sacraments. God is the primary actor “An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace (of God).” Both rites are grounded in Salvation History – preparation for them is learning about that salvation history and starting to see onself as written into this story. Philip and the Eunich – Walk to Emmaus. Sacrament – vs. ordinance Power of priest and no understanding of people -> magic - > Clericalism Taking place within a congregation – the Body of Christ Ethical formation – Baptism -> Personal Communion -> Social 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 The Rite Baptism and Confirmation Adult vs Infant What’s at stake – profession of faith, God’s prevenient grace – duty to lead baptized children to Christ Aim for authenticity, no empty promises, people who really mean it No rebaptisms, no dedications, not magical, no purgatory for unbaptized children Role of Parents/Grandparents and Sponsors Christian formation before and afterward BOW p. 86 Covenant with whole congregation – no private baptisms Weddings and Funerals are theologically based on the sacrament of baptism. Our primary relationship is now to Christ. Weddings - Some of us are called to a special covenant of marriage within the baptismal covenant. Funerals - All of those who have died in Christ have hope in eternal life. Baptismal Theology 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 Preparation Pre-baptismal meeting Discuss parents’ and sponsor’s involvement with the church, baptisms, confirmations etc. Ideally at least one parent is already active in the congregation – encourage participation in worship for a few weeks before baptism. Collect information for certificate and church records Importance of record keeping – use official UM system – give certificates to parent and keep copies Full name, birthday, place of birth, date of baptism, address, names of parents and sponsors, sign as clergy – even for adults. Confirmation – i.e. Profession of Faith Classes – goal to help youth be able to authentically “claim the name” of Christian. Sponsors within the church relationship building. New Members Profession of faith – ideally after similar faith formation as Confirmation. Transfer from other denomination – also some teaching. Transfer from other UMC – learn about local congregation, ministries Associate – membership in another UMC Affiliate – membership in another denomination Reaffirmation of Faith The only thing a UMC pastor may offer a backslider who has been “reclaimed” and wants some ritual way to mark this life event. 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 Roll Play Role Play the meetings before baptism/membership with Covenant II and with Backslider Betty/Bob with Covenant IV 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 Circles of Membership 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 The Ceremony Times for Baptism Easter, Baptism of Jesus, Pentecost three best days of the year Within worship - Baptism as response to the Word and covenant with the congregation as representing the Body of Christ. Invite Lay Leaders to assist During the ritual Let the water splash Holding a baby and a book Candidate’s first and middle name (no last name) – all becoming part of same family. Make a big deal of it theme of worship carry baby through congregation new brother/sister sing special songs Send Baptism cards Publish baptism days in bulletin/newsletter 11/8/2018

Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher 5/16/2007 Roll Play Roll Play the Ritual of Covenant I as it would be done in worship 11/8/2018