All about Baptism at American Church in Berlin

Through the sacrament of Holy Baptism, we are brought into the body of Christ, and become members of Christ’s Church.

At American Church in Berlin, infants, children, and adults are baptized among us. Together with God's Word, the earthly element of water is used to wash over us and connect us forever to God's promise of grace and eternal life through faith. 

In addition, at ACB, the act of baptism is accompanied by anointing with oil, tracing a cross on the forehead and breast, lighting a candle, and offering prayers for the Holy Spirit. These are ancient symbols of the Church. The anointing with oil marks the newly baptized as claimed and sealed by the Holy Spirit, while the lighting of the candle symbolizes the light of Christ now shining in and through his/her life.

The whole congregation joins parents and sponsors in promising to nurture and support the newly baptized, so our baptisms take place at within the iturgy of public worship of the congregation.

It is especially meaningul to schedule baptisms on feast days, such as the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints, Christmas Eve, or Baptism of Our Lord. Any Sunday service outside of Lent or Advent is also a good time to celebrate this sacrement.

Our services, incuding baptisms, are celebrated in English. Baptism is a secrament that occurs once in the life of a Christian, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. If you have already been baptized, you are invited to seek afirmation of baptism (confirmation) at any point in your life and as often as you feel called to do this. Contact the pastor to inquire about baptism.
pastor.ryan@americanchurchberlin.de