Your interest in 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 their support in this important undertaking.
Baptism in the United Church of Christ is a sacrament, so we take your decision to be baptized or to baptize your child as a sacred decision. We want you to understand that the decision is yours to make. The people of Gables UCC have already decided that they want to welcome your child. 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 our Christian denomination, 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 this 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!”
Register for a baptism using the button below. For more information, please contact Mariana Broadmeadow at 305.448.7421, ext. 114 or MarianaB@gablesucc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not actively attend Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. May I baptize my child here?
Yes. Everyone is welcome at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ.
What is required to be baptized at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ?
The parents must attend a baptism orientation via Zoom. The godparents may choose to attend if they are able. The parents must also fill out the baptism form with a completed payment for each child.
Are the baptisms private or public?
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ currently holds group baptisms.
What time is the baptism and orientation?
All baptisms and orientations are at 10:00 a.m. The orientations will take place via Zoom.
If I have attended a baptism orientation in the past, will I have to attend again?
Yes. Orientations are mandatory for each baptism.
How long does the Parent Orientation and Baptism last?
The Parent Orientation takes place on Zoom and is about 45 minutes long. It goes over the basic principles of baptism.
The Baptism is about 1 hour long and takes place in the church Sanctuary.
Does Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ have private baptisms?
Currently, we do not offer private baptisms. All baptisms are done in a group setting, but each child is baptized individually.
Are the children submerged in water?
No, the children are sprinkled with water.
May I reschedule a baptism?
You may reschedule a baptism once, only to the next available baptism date.