Congratulations!
Your interest in the Sacrament of Baptism suggests that you have the privilege of sharing your life with a child, and that you recognize your responsibility in nurturing the spiritual development of this life entrusted to your care. The people of Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ offer their good wishes and support in this most important undertaking.

Children have a very special place in the life of our church family, and we take great delight in every opportunity to receive a child by Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. However, as much as we want to welcome your child, this is a decision which only you can make. You have to decide if you are ready to accept your responsibility as Christian parents or sponsors.

In the United Church of Christ, people are baptized either as children or adults. Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, the sign and seal of their participation in God’s forgiveness and the beginning of their new growth into full Christian faith and life.

When an infant or young child is baptized, one or both parents and/or one or more sponsors, promise to assume certain responsibilities for the Christian nurture of the baptized child. Therefore, we encourage active participation and/or membership in the church. However, we do welcome families who are not members, but require that they attend a Baptism orientation before the child is baptized.

Whatever your decision, the people of Coral Gables Congregational Church offer you this baptismal prayer…

“Blessings be with you today and every day to come …
Through caring acts may your life be lit with love
Through kindness may contentment be your reward
With gentleness may you journey well
With truth and beauty may you follow a path
That wherever you go whatever you do
Says grace and joy abides with you!”