Baptism is the second of the two sacraments in the United Church of Canada (the sacrament of communion being the first). It is an initiation into Christianity and into our own church family and is held as part of a regular Sunday service. As such, it requires a commitment from the individual or in the case of a child, from his or her family. Adults, children and infants may be baptized. Adults who have previously been baptized into another denomination need not be baptized again; they will be admitted into membership in the Church through confirmation.

Normally, at least one parent of a child or infant being brought forward for baptism should be an active member of First Metropolitan United Church or have stated an intention of becoming a member. If you regularly attend church at another congregation, we would encourage you to have your children baptized in that church so that your church family can support the commitment you are making to your child as well as the Christian faith as a whole.

At baptism, parents are asked to commit themselves to leading their child to Christian faith by their teaching and example. The congregation vows to encourage the participation of parents and children in our community and to support them as they grow in faith. Baptisms are generally held at least four times during the year, on designated days.

In the United Church, we believe all infants are blessed and known by God. Baptism is not necessary to remove the stain of original sin from a child or to protect a child from evil. In baptism we celebrate the love that God already has for the child.