Guidelines For Planning A Service Of The Renewal Of The Baptismal Covenant

Planning for the renewal of baptism must be undertaken with the need of the local worshiping community in mind. This article reflects on this service of renewal and proposes guidelines for the worship planning process. Participants and Setting In most churches, the guiding of the act of the renewal and the voicing of the surrounding prayers will be in the hands of local clergy-the same person who has been pastor and counselor will be celebrant. (The Episcopal church reserves this presiding role at occasions of individual renewing of baptismal promises for the bishop. ) The churches which are introducing this action commend the use of sponsors, who personalize the support of the congregation. Clearly, this act should be observed at a service where the congregation can give its welcome and pledge its continuing care. Whatever depths of unshared individual experience it may touch, the serious public reaffirmation of the common promises touches also the uniting, originating bonds in…