King of Kings Lutheran Church

2993 MacDonald St. Oceanside CA (760)757-2525

A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -- ELCA

Baptism

A Sacrament where Water & Jesus' command are joined together with God's promise of forgiveness.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments performed in the Lutheran Tradition (the other being Holy Communion). We believe that God's promise of forgiveness is carried out in the pouring of water and the speaking of Jesus' command to baptize the nations in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The placement of the Baptismal Fountain here at King of Kings Lutheran shows the importance we place on Baptism in the Lutheran Tradition. Positioned in the center aisle of the Church, the Baptismal Fountain is a constant reminder that Baptism is our entry into the Church and a place of washing away sin. You may remember your Baptism by dipping your finger into the water and making the sign of the Cross.

Persons of all ages may be baptized. Within the past year, we have had a child of 3 months be baptized and an adult of 78 years.

By its very nature as the rite of entrance into the Church, Baptism is a public event. Private Baptisms are reserved for unusual conditions or emergency baptisms.

FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions

I was baptized in another Church, will you re-Baptize me or require that I get re-Baptized? No -- if your baptism was in a Christian community where water and the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit" were used, you have already been baptized. Since we teach that the promise of God is eternal and unbreakable, we will not re-baptize you. You may affirm that Baptism in a public manner but we cannot re-do what God has already done.
Do you Baptize using immersion or pouring (aka sprinkling)? Yes, either form of Baptism is fully acceptable within our Lutheran tradition and within our congregation. Since the focus is on God and God's promise of salvation through the forgiveness of sins, the actual method is left to personal choice.
Will you Baptize my Baby? Yes, these gifts of God's grace have been entrusted to the Church and are freely shared with those who desire them. The Pastor will meet with you to discuss both the service and the importance of the promises you, as parents and sponsors, will make on that day.
Is there a charge for a Baptism? No, once again this a freely given gift of God's grace. Often, parents will like to have a small reception after the worship service to celebrate the Baptism. We do ask that the Baptismal party purchase and bring any extra refreshments and/or decorations for that Sunday. If you wish to have a small gathering for your family afterwards in "The Gathering Place" which extends past the normal coffee hour, there will be a small charge for cleanup and/or catering, etc.