PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR BAPTISM

  WHAT TO BRING:

1) Dry clothes

Note:  Most people prefer to wear what they would normally wear to church, and to bring a change of clothing to wear when actually being baptized.  The main thing is to have dry clothes to put on after you’ve been baptized, whether those are the clothes you wore to church or a fresh outfit you brought for after your baptism.

The easiest type of clothing to wear when being baptized is something like a loose, thicker, and dark shirt, blouse, or T-shirt, along with a pair of dark jeans or slacks you don’t mind getting wet.  Most people prefer bringing a pair of flip-flops or similar shoes for the walk back to the changing area in the La Paz Building.

2) A large bath towel or beach towel.  Each person will need one—you’ll be standing around covered by it for a little bit as Prophetic Team members pray and bless you afterwards.

3) Anything else you’d personally want after, say, a swim, such as a hair dryer.

4) NOTE:  If you would like a friend or family member to video your baptism, or to record the prophetic words you will receive from the Prophetic Team members afterwards, please make arrangements in advance with them to do this for you.  They are welcome to come to the front of the Sanctuary by the jacuzzi at the same time you do after the regular Morning Service ends.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS 

1) During the video announcements after worship time, there will be one announcement that states that those who are getting baptized should now leave for the Baptism Class.  Please look towards the back Sanctuary entrance and you will see a couple holding up a large sign that says, “Baptism Class—Follow Us”.  This is your cue to go back and meet them, taking your personal possessions, towel, change of clothing, etc. with you.  It’s fine if a friend or family member wishes to accompany you to the class.

  • The couple’s names are Alvin and Peggie Rodriguez, and they will be teaching the Baptism Class.  They will lead everyone across the parking lot to a meeting room (“the KSOM Room”) in the La Paz Building.  Some of you may know Peggie as one of our Pastors.

2) During the sermon time, you will be doing four things:

a) Participating in a short, helpful teaching time with Alvin and Peggie that is focused on the meaning and significance of baptism.

     b) Signing our clipboard so we are certain we have your name and contact information recorded correctly.

     c) Deciding the order in which you’ll line up to be baptized.   

     d) Changing clothes, unloading your pockets, etc. to prepare to be baptized.  You will need to take all your possessions with you while being baptized, or else a family member or friend can keep them for you.

3) Just before the service ends (about 11:50 AM), Alvin and Peggie will lead you back into the Sanctuary and up to the front right side where the jacuzzi is located.  You’ll line up in the order you decided on earlier.

4)  When it’s your turn, some strong, agile guys will help you safely into the jacuzzi, and someone will hold your towel for you. 

5)  Pastor Mike will ask you to declare your faith in Jesus, he will pray over you, and he will baptize you.

6)  After you are baptized, the guys will help you down and you’ll get your towel.  You’ll be led a few steps over to the side, where members of the Prophetic Team will spend a few minutes praying over you, giving you encouraging words, and sealing the beautiful work the Lord has done in your life this day. If you would like their words recorded on a smartphone, please have a friend or family member with you who can do this on your behalf.

7)  You’ll be led back to the changing rooms and bathrooms in the La Paz Building so you can change clothes and prepare to leave.

For questions, or to sign up for our next Baptism Service, please contact Ann Bowman at Ann@VineyardLN.com or Angie Castro at Angie@VineyardLN.com (for kids 1st - 5th grade).