Protestant Church in Montgomery County for Baptism?

[Anonymous]

We are new to the area and haven't joined a church yet. We aren't super religious, but we do want our son (5 mo) to grow up with at least some association with church - although we aren't picky on the denomination. We would like to get him baptized soonish, but every church I have looked into so far requires new member classes for the parents before they will baptize your child. We both work and we are really struggling to find our footing as new parents so new member church classes at night just aren't in the cards for us right now. Does anyone know of a church in MoCo (Silver Spring, Kensington, Rockville area preferably) where we can get him baptized before we have officially joined?

[Anonymous]

Theologically speaking, baptism is a sacrament which takes place within a congregation. During the service, the congregation promises to support and mentor a child/adult in their Christian faith. When an infant is baptized, parents also make promises on their behalf regarding being raised in the faith, etc. Baptism is not a private rite (unless in cases of emergency, as in a dying newborn, etc). Few clergy are keen on private baptisms of healthy infants, since it does not "make sense" within the Christian understanding of baptism. It puts them in an awkward situation to be asked.

Not all churches are the same. Protestant denominations can be very different from one another. Take the time, if you can, to find a good match with your beliefs. Then you will feel good about the baptism in that community of faith. Your DC will be a few months older, but that is just fine. Kids are baptized at all ages (adults too).

[Anonymous]

If you are protestant, I don't understand the rush to have him baptized. As PP said, baptism takes place within a congregation. The community makes promises towards the child or adult being baptized. So, why not just wait until you have found a church community to be part of? If you don't actually want to be part of a church community, why not just take your child to church from time to time, and let him decide later if he wants to be baptized?

[Anonymous]

To echo what PP said, I would concentrat eon "church shopping" first, then do the baptism. There's really no rush, and I'm sure you would prefer to have this important occasion be in a church where you have some ties. We didn't baptize our oldest until she was two years old for this very reason.

Years ago, I taught one of those baptism classes, and yes, there were all ages of children represented by the parents. If baptism is so important that you want to have it done as soon as possible, I would think that it's important enough to you for it to be in a meaningful place, not just the one church that let you in with no class or membership.

Just something to think about, best wishes.

[Anonymous]

I would talk to St.Luke's (episcopal) in Bethesda. We found the parish to be welcoming & flexible, there was a baptism class for parents but it was really just a getting to know you brunch with a couple of sets of parents and the rev one sat morning, they also provided child care. We've just moved from the area and I really miss the church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would talk to St.Luke's (episcopal) in Bethesda. We found the parish to be welcoming & flexible, there was a baptism class for parents but it was really just a getting to know you brunch with a couple of sets of parents and the rev one sat morning, they also provided child care. We've just moved from the area and I really miss the church.

sounds like BS, maybe daddy should do the baptism at home in the jetted tub

[Anonymous]

Why don't you post another posting and describe the type of church you are looking for and start visiting,