If you are interested in having your child baptized at Calvary, please contact Kim Warren (kwarren@calvarybemidji.org) in the church office for more information and to schedule a baptism.
2021-22 Baptism Festival Dates
Sunday, September 5 – Labor Day weekend
Sunday, October 24
Sunday, November 28 – Thanksgiving weekend
Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24 – 3:30pm service only
Sunday, January 9 – Baptism of our Lord
Sunday, February 13
Sunday, April 17 – Easter Sunday
Sunday, May 29 – Memorial Day weekend
If you would like request a non-festival Sunday please contact the church office.
CLICK HERE to fill out the Baptism Registration Form. The information provided ensures accuracy for certificates and church records.
Christian Baptism a Lutheran Understanding
Why Baptism? In Matthew 28:19 Christ commands his followers to “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.” We believe that God, in the life-changing event of baptism, forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe God’s promises, from infants to elders.
Unlike some fellow Christians who may baptize in private ceremonies, Lutheran Christians baptize in our shared, communal worship time. We are all part of one another’s faith development—from birth to death. We need faith mentors, peers, pastors, and others to help us along our faith journey, so the whole congregation has a role in our baptism and faith life
What We Proclaim
- We all come to baptism “as infants” (even if we’re older when we’re baptized); that means that we get to rely entirely on God’s grace, not on our own understanding or effort.
- Baptism is something we remember and live daily through an active life of faith.
- Rebaptism is not necessary, even if you’ve strayed. God’s promise is good the first time and forever! Cling to it!
Preparing for Baptism
Parents of infants/young children, if this is your first time going through a baptism at Calvary, contact Kim Warren in the church office to set up a visit (probably an hour or so long) with one of the pastors. These meetings can be in-person or via Zoom. Parents who have had a child baptized at Calvary previously do not need to repeat this meeting. Families from out of town who can’t set up a meeting with Calvary pastors are expected to meet with their local pastor to discuss baptism; verification from your local church must be sent to Calvary. Youth who are 6th grade and above, as well as adults, will have a period of Christian instruction before baptism; this will be with a Calvary pastor or another approved Christian mentor.
Select sponsors (these are not legal guardians). Ask baptized and confirmed adults who will be active in the life of the one receiving baptism. Sponsors promise to pray, teach, and help the baptized person grow in faith.