At St. James UMC, we baptize infants and children under 12 when their parents are willing to make a confession of faith on the child's behalf.

Families meet (20-30 minutes) with our pastor to discuss these vows and the service prior to the baptism, which unless there are unusual circumstances are always done in one of our public Sunday worship service at 9:00 a.m.

When the child reaches 8th grade, they can take our Confirmation course beginning in the fall of each year. There, they learn about Christianity and make many new friends with kids their own age. After the end of the Confirmation course, each young person can choose to "confirm" the vows taken on their behalf by their parents or, if they had never been baptized, be baptized at that time, and then become full members of the church.

Those over the age of 12 seeking to be baptized can meet with the pastor to discuss the process and the vows. A study book is usually given and a follow up meeting with the pastor is held to review it and the meaning of baptism.

They may then schedule the baptism during regular worship service. In the United Methodist church, folks can be baptized or have their children baptized whether they are members of the church or not.

Joining the church requires baptism at some time prior to the reception service, also held at our Sunday service, and can be a baptism in any Christian denomination. It doesn't have to be United Methodist.

In the United Methodist church, we baptize most often with the pastor's hand dipped in a font of water and then placed upon the initiate's head. We can also pour or do immersion upon request. In our church we consider all forms of baptism valid.

If interested in joining the church, contact Pastor Mark Klaisner at 920.540.2446.