Index: ritual
800.1
Dearly Beloved: Baptism is the sign and seal of the new covenant of grace, the significance of which is attested by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans as follows:
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death: in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection” (Romans 6:3–5).
The earliest and simplest statement of Christian belief, into which you now come to be baptized, is the Apostles’ Creed, which reads as follows:
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;
“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
“I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Church of Jesus Christ, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”
Will you be baptized into this faith? If so, answer, “I will.”
Response: I will.
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?
Response: I do.
Will you obey God’s holy will and keep His commandments, walking in them all the days of your life?
Response: I will.
The minister, giving the full name of the person and using the preferred form of baptism—sprinkling, pouring, or immersion—shall say:
___________________, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
800.2
When the sponsors shall have presented themselves with the child (or children) the minister shall say:
Dearly Beloved: The sacrament of baptism is the sign and seal of the new covenant of grace. While we do not hold that baptism imparts the regenerating grace of God, we do believe that Christian baptism signifies for this young child God’s acceptance within the community of Christian faith on the basis of prevenient grace. It anticipates his (her) personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ.
In presenting this child for baptism you are hereby witnessing to your own personal Christian faith and to your purpose to guide him (her) early in life to a knowledge of Christ as Savior. To this end it is your duty to teach him (her), as soon as he (she) shall be able to learn, the nature and end of this holy sacrament; to watch over his (her) education, that he (she) may not be led astray; to direct his (her) feet to the sanctuary; to restrain him (her) from evil associates and habits; and as much as in you lies, to bring him (her) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God? If so, answer, “I will.”
The minister may then ask the parents or guardians to name the child, and shall then baptize the child, repeating his (her) full name and saying:
_______________, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor: Baptism also signifies the acceptance of this child into the community of Christian faith. I now ask you, the congregation; will you commit yourself as the Body of Christ to support and encourage these parents as they endeavor to fulfill their responsibilities to this child and to assist by nurturing his (her) growth toward spiritual maturity?
Response: We will.
The minister may then offer the following prayer or may use an extemporary prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that You will take this child into Your loving care. Abundantly enrich him (her) with Your heavenly grace; bring him (her) safely through the perils of childhood; deliver him (her) from the temptations of youth; lead him (her) to a personal knowledge of Christ as Savior; help him (her) to grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and all people, and to persevere therein to the end. Uphold the parents with loving care, that with wise counsel and holy example they may faithfully discharge their responsibilities to both this child and to You. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
800.3
When the parents or guardians have presented themselves with the child (or children) the minister shall say:
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Matthew 19:13–14).
In presenting this child for dedication you signify not only your faith in the Christian religion but also your desire that he (she) may early know and follow the will of God, may live and die a Christian, and come unto everlasting blessedness.
In order to attain this holy end, it will be your duty, as parents (guardians), to teach him (her) early the fear of the Lord, to watch over his (her) education, that he (she) be not led astray; to direct his (her) youthful mind to the Holy Scriptures, and his (her) feet to the sanctuary; to restrain him (her) from evil associates and habits; and, as much as in you lies, to bring him (her) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God? If so, answer, “I will.”
Pastor: I now ask you, the congregation; will you commit yourself as the Body of Christ to support and encourage these parents as they endeavor to fulfill their responsibilities to this child and to assist by nurturing his (her) growth toward spiritual maturity?
Response: We will.
Pastor: Our loving Heavenly Father, we do here and now dedicate in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the minister may offer the following prayer, or may use an extemporary prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that You will take this child into Your loving care. Abundantly enrich him (her) with Your heavenly grace; bring him (her) safely through the perils of childhood; deliver him (her) from the temptations of youth; lead him (her) to a personal knowledge of Christ as Savior; help him (her) to grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and all people, and to persevere therein to the end. Uphold the parents with loving care, that with wise counsel and holy example they may faithfully discharge their responsibilities both to this child and to You. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
800.4
(Ritual for Single Parent or Guardian)
When the parent or guardian has presented himself (herself) with the child (or children) the minister shall say:
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Matthew 19:13–14).
In presenting this child for dedication you signify not only your faith in the Christian religion but also your desire that he (she) may early know and follow the will of God, may live and die a Christian, and come unto everlasting blessedness.
In order to attain this holy end, it will be your duty, as a parent (guardian), to teach him (her) early the fear of the Lord, to watch over his (her) education, that he (she) be not led astray; to direct his (her) youthful mind to the Holy Scriptures, and his (her) feet to the sanctuary; to restrain him (her) from evil associates and habits; and, as much as in you lies, to bring him (her) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Will you endeavor to do so by the help of God? If so, answer, “I will.”
Pastor: I now ask you, the congregation; will you commit yourself as the Body of Christ to support and encourage these parents as they endeavor to fulfill their responsibilities to this child and to assist _____________ by nurturing his (her) growth toward spiritual maturity?
Response: We will.
Pastor: Our loving Heavenly Father, we do here and now dedicate _____________ in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the minister may offer the following prayer, or may use an extemporary prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that You will take this child into Your loving care. Abundantly enrich him (her) with Your heavenly grace; bring him (her) safely through the perils of childhood; deliver him (her) from the temptations of youth; lead him (her) to a personal knowledge of Christ as Savior; help him (her) to grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and all people, and to persevere therein to the end. Uphold the parent with loving care, that with wise counsel and holy example he (she) may faithfully discharge his (her) responsibilities both to this child and to You. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
801
The prospective members having come forward to stand before the altar of the church, the pastor shall address them as follows:
Dearly Beloved: The privileges and blessings that we have in association together in the Church of Jesus Christ are very sacred and precious. There is in it such hallowed fellowship as cannot otherwise be known.
There is such helpfulness with brotherly watch care and counsel as can be found only in the Church.
There is the godly care of pastors, with the teachings of the Word; and the helpful inspiration of corporate worship. And there is cooperation in service, accomplishing that which cannot otherwise be done. The doctrines upon which the church rests as essential to Christian experience are brief.
NOTE: The minister may choose one of the following creedal options.
Option 1:
Option 2:
802
The administration of the Lord’s Supper may be introduced by an appropriate sermon and the reading of 1 Corinthians 11:23–29; Luke 22:14-20, or some other suitable passage. Let the minister then give the following invitation:
The Lord himself ordained this holy sacrament. He commanded His disciples to partake of the bread and wine, emblems of His broken body and shed blood. This is His table. The feast is for His disciples. Let all those who have with true repentance forsaken their sins, and have believed in Christ unto salvation, draw near and take these emblems, and, by faith, partake of the life of Jesus Christ, to your soul’s comfort and joy. Let us remember that it is the memorial of the death and passion of our Lord; also a token of His coming again. Let us not forget that we are one, at one table with the Lord.
The minister may offer a prayer of confession and supplication, concluding with the following prayer of consecration:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who out of Your tender mercy gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption: hear us, we most humbly beseech You. Grant that, as we receive these Your creatures of bread and wine according to the holy institution of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in remembrance of His passion and death, we may be made partakers of the benefits of His atoning sacrifice.
We are reminded that in the same night that our Lord was betrayed, He took bread and, when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise, after supper, He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
May we come before You in true humility and faith as we partake of this holy sacrament. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then may the minister, partaking first, with the assistance of any other ministers present, and when necessary, of the stewards, administer the Communion to the people.
While the bread is being distributed, let the minister say:
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was broken for you, preserve you blameless, unto everlasting life. Take and eat this, in remembrance that Christ died for you.
As the cup is being passed, let the minister say:
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve you blameless unto everlasting life. Drink this, in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
After all have partaken, the minister may then offer a concluding prayer of thanksgiving and commitment. (29.5, 514.4, 514.9, 530.7, 531.2, 532.1)
NOTE: Only unfermented wine should be used in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
804
Dearly Beloved: We are gathered today to pay our final tribute of respect to that which was mortal of our deceased loved one and friend. To you members of the family who mourn your loss, we especially offer our deep and sincere sympathy. May we share with you the comfort afforded by God’s Word for such a time as this:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1–3).
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25–26).
Invocation (in the minister’s own words or the following):
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we come into this sanctuary of sorrow, realizing our utter dependence upon You. We know You do love us and can turn even the shadow of death into the light of morning. Help us now to wait before You with reverent and submissive hearts.
You are our Refuge and Strength, O God—a very present Help in time of trouble. Grant unto us Your abundant mercy. May those who mourn today find comfort and healing balm in Your sustaining grace. We humbly bring these petitions in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
A hymn or special song
Selections of scripture:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:3–9).
(Other passages that might be used are: Matthew 5:3–4, 6, 8; Psalms 27:3–5, 11, 13–14; 46:1–6, 10–11.)
Message
A Hymn or Special Song
Closing Prayer
* * *
At the Graveside
When the people have assembled, the minister may read any or all of the following scriptures:
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another” (Job 19:25–27).
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed… . Then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15: 51–52, 54–58).
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor; for their deeds will follow them’” (Revelation 14:13).
The minister shall then read one of the following committal statements:
For a Believer:
Forasmuch as the spirit of our departed loved one has returned to God, who gave it, we therefore tenderly commit his (her) body to the grave in sure trust and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall give to us new bodies like unto His glorious body. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
For a Nonbeliever:
We have come now to commit the body of our departed friend to its kindred dust. The spirit we leave with God, for we know the merciful Judge of all the earth will do right. Let us who remain dedicate ourselves anew to live in the fear and love of God, so that we may obtain an abundant entrance into the heavenly Kingdom.
For a Child:
In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commit the body of this child to the grave. And as Jesus, during His earthly life, took the children into His arms and blessed them, may He receive this dear one unto himself, for, as He said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, God of all mercy, we look to You in this moment of sorrow and bereavement. Comfort these dear ones whose hearts are heavy and sad. Will You be with them, sustain and guide them in the days to come. Grant, O Lord, that they may love and serve You and obtain the fullness of Your promises in the world to come.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Index
For translating the index locators.