Baptism Anniversaries
The Sacrament of Baptism is a special and sacred moment for both individuals, families, and churches. It is a reminder of God's ever-present love and a reminder that both God and a particular church have claimed us as part of their family. In our denomination, though, most children are baptized before they are able to remember or understand this moment - and so it makes sense to return to the baptismal moment once children reach an age when they can think about its meaning more. If you can't remember when your child was baptized, the church still should have a record of the date - find out when this anniversary would be and celebrate the presence of God's love in your child's life again!
Opening Prayer
Loving and wonderful God, many years ago ___________ was baptized with water - water that reminds us of your love, how you care for us deeply, and how we are part of a church family. On this special anniversary, we pray that ________ can feel your love once again, that we remember all of the promises that we made, and that we celebrate all the ways that you have watched over us since that moment. Amen.
Scripture Passages
Right after Pentecost, when the church was born, Peter stood up and said “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." (Acts 2:38-39)
And from the Gospel of Luke, at the very start of Jesus' ministry: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22)
Discussion Questions as a Family
Closing Prayer
Holy God, when that water touched our heads, we were reminded that you and your love will always be with us. Even when we make mistakes, you will forgive us. Even when we feel like we're alone, you will be there. Even when we're not at church, we know that they are like our family - people who love us for who we are and want nothing but the best for us. Baptism brings us all closer together, and so on this special day we say thank you for that gift! Amen.
Opening Prayer
Loving and wonderful God, many years ago ___________ was baptized with water - water that reminds us of your love, how you care for us deeply, and how we are part of a church family. On this special anniversary, we pray that ________ can feel your love once again, that we remember all of the promises that we made, and that we celebrate all the ways that you have watched over us since that moment. Amen.
Scripture Passages
Right after Pentecost, when the church was born, Peter stood up and said “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." (Acts 2:38-39)
And from the Gospel of Luke, at the very start of Jesus' ministry: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22)
Discussion Questions as a Family
- What you do remember from the last time you saw a baptism? Share your memories of your child's baptism, and any pictures if you have them!
- Why do you think baptism is the first thing that new disciples did?
- How can we remember that God's love is always with us?
Closing Prayer
Holy God, when that water touched our heads, we were reminded that you and your love will always be with us. Even when we make mistakes, you will forgive us. Even when we feel like we're alone, you will be there. Even when we're not at church, we know that they are like our family - people who love us for who we are and want nothing but the best for us. Baptism brings us all closer together, and so on this special day we say thank you for that gift! Amen.