On this page I would like to give you as pastor of the parishes Hehlen-Hohe and Pegestorf-Grave some hints about baptism. Below you can read the text of an information sheet on baptism that parents receive from me. Afterwards you will find a list with suggestions for baptismal sayings and some songs for baptism. Baptisms usually take place during the Sunday services. An appointment can be arranged beforehand.
Pastor Peter Dortmund
What does baptism mean?
You want to have your child baptized. When I ask parents why they have made this decision, they often answer: "That is part of it. We were baptized and therefore want to have our children baptized as well." In this continues a tradition that has its origin in Jesus Christ. With baptism, a person is accepted into the community of Christians. It should show that every child is loved and accepted by God, no matter what he or she will become and what he or she will be able to achieve. Baptism is also a sign that we can live out of love and forgiveness and are therefore not simply at the mercy of quarrels and guilt.
This is now very briefly summarized. I have enclosed a booklet for you: "Baptism of children – a sign of hope". The meaning of baptism is explained in detail and vividly. Take the time to read the booklet.
Baptism talk
So that we can talk about the baptism and the course of the service and also get to know each other personally, I will have a baptismal interview with you. For this I will visit you. I will arrange an appointment with you by telephone.
First of all: The organization of the service does not have to lie with me alone. I will gladly respond to your wishes and ideas. I would like to mention some elements of the baptismal service here: The baptized person is blessed in the service with a sign of the cross.
What happens in the service?
Before the baptism we say together the Creed. I have sheets with the text ready, if you can no longer memorize it completely. The parents, godmothers and godfathers are given the Baptism question put. With the answer "Yes, with God’s help" do you agree that the child should be baptized in the name of God.
After the baptism, one of the godmothers or godfathers will light the Baptismal candle to. After the ceremony, the parents, accompanied by their godparents, come to the altar. A prayer and a blessing are said. This Blessing of parents is an expression of intercession for parents, respectively. Mother or father, because they will take on the task of raising and accompanying their child in a special way. At the baptismal interview we can then talk in detail about the service.
Papers/Documents
From a godfather or godmother. of a godmother who does not belong to our church congregation, I need a Patenschein. This is a certificate of the responsible church congregation about the church affiliation of a godfather/ godmother. It would be nice if you could give me the godparents’ certificates at the baptism interview. You have for your child a Birth Certificate get, which is intended for religious purposes. This certificate will be added to the records of our church congregation. In the Family book the baptism is also registered.
Baptismal motto
Enclosed you will find a sheet with suggestions for a baptismal motto. Perhaps you will choose a verse from them. Of course, it can also be another verse of the Bible.
Filming and photographing
I would like to ask you to help ensure that no one enters the chancel or in front of the congregation to take photographs or film during the service, especially during the baptismal ceremony. This would disturb the service and would not be appropriate for a divine blessing. Of course you can take pictures in the church after the service. If you wish, the act of baptism and blessing can be reenacted for photographing after the service.
Flowers + Songs
It is customary in our congregations for the baptismal parents to provide floral decorations in the church. We can discuss details of this when I come to visit you. For the service I have put together a song sheet. If you would like to sing one of the songs, please tell me during the baptism interview. Of course you can also choose other hymns.
I am looking forward to celebrating baptism with you and send you my warmest greetings.
P. Dortmund, Pastor
I can highly recommend the following on the subject of baptism the following internet pages:
Handout for baptism "Water of Life
Info about baptism
Info about baptism and godparenthood
Church law to baptism, godparenthood etc.
Suggestions for a baptismal saying
from the Old Testament:
5. Genesis 4:31The LORD thy God is a merciful God: he will not forsake thee, nor destroy thee.
Joshua 1,9Behold, I have commanded thee that thou mayest be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid nor dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee in all that thou shalt do.
1. Samuel 16:7A man sees what is before his eyes, but the LORD looks at the heart.
2. Samuel 22,30With my God I can jump over walls.
Psalm 23:1: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalm 31,8: I rejoice and am glad in your goodness.
Psalm 31,9You set my feet on a broad place.
Psalm 91:11God has commanded his angels to keep you in all your ways.
Psalm 100,5God is kind, and his mercy endures forever, and his truth for ever and ever.
Psalm 103,2Praise the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget the good things he has done for you.
Psalm 127,3: Behold, children are a gift from God.
Psalm 139,5You surround me on every side and hold your hand over me.
Psalm 139,14I thank you that I am wonderfully made.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, I am with thee; flinch not, for I am thy God. I strengthen you, I also help you, I hold you by the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 43,1: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine!
Jeremiah 29,11For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, saith God, thoughts of peace, and not of sorrow; that I may give you a future and a hope.
Lamentations 3,25: For God is kind to him that waiteth on him, and to the man that asketh after him.
Micah 6,8It is told thee, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requireth of thee, to keep the word of God, and to love, and to be humble before thy God.
from the New Testament:
Matthew 5,7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5,14+16You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:12All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them! That is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 28:20Christ says: "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Luke 18,16Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
John 6:35Jesus says: I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall not hunger; and he that believeth in me shall never cease to thirst.
Romans 8:31If God is for us, who can be against us??
1. Corinthians 16:14: Let all your things be done in love!
2. Corinthians 3,17Where the Spirit of God is, there is freedom.
2. Corinthians 9:15: But thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Galatians 3:26For you are all children of God in Christ Jesus through faith.
Ephesians 5,8+9Live as children of light; the fruit of light is pure goodness and righteousness and truth.
2. Thessalonians 3:3God is faithful, who will strengthen you and keep you from evil
1. Peter 5:7Cast all your care upon him, for he cares for you.
1. John 3:1See, what love the Father has shown us, that we should be called children of God and so are we!
1. John 4,16God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Hebrews 11:1But faith is a firm assurance of things hoped for, and not doubting those things which are not seen.