One of the ways we respond to God's gift of Grace is through the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation (Reaffirmation of Baptism). It is central to the Christian faith and marks the beginning of a faith journey lasting a lifetime. Baptism is the way in which we welcome all people into the Christian faith.
Baptism
Persons seeking the Sacrament of Baptism must contact the Minister of Valley Pastoral Charge. Candidates for Baptism require the consent of the Church Board and the Minister. The Minister must be contacted before plans are made, particularly concerning the date.
The date for Baptism is to be set by the local Board and the Minister of Valley Pastoral Charge. It is not the practice of Valley Pastoral Charge to have Baptism in conjunction with special Sundays such as Easter and Christmas.
The local Board will provide a Sponsor: Clerk of Session, Chair of the Board or designated member of the congregation to act as a connection between the newly baptized and the congregation into which they were baptized. The role of the sponsor is to represent the community and to support this new relationship.
Parents seeking baptism for their child or an adult seeking baptism are requested to meet with the Minister prior to baptism to explore the implications of their decision.
The Sacrament of Baptism is performed by the Minister of Valley Pastoral Charge and will be celebrated in the context of congregational worship. Unless exceptional circumstances prohibit it, baptism will be administered during public worship.
Persons who are not members of Valley Pastoral Charge may make a request to have baptism take place in one of the congregations of the Pastoral Charge. If they are unable to commute, they will be advised to contact a church in the community in which they reside for baptismal instruction.
Confirmation
Persons seeking confirmation must contact the minister of the Pastoral Charge. Candidates for Confirmation require the consent of the Church Board and the minister.
Candidates for confirmation will be required to enter into a time of study and preparation set by the Minister in consultation with the Church Board.
The date for confirmation is to be set by the Church Board and the Minister of the Pastoral Charge.
Upon confirmation, the individual becomes a full member, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of membership both with the congregation into which they are confirmed and within the United Church of Canada.

* Each congregation modifies these guidelines to meet their individual needs