In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. JOHN 1:1-5

The First Filipino American UCC believes Jesus Christ is the living word of God who alone is the source of our expressions of faith as revealed in scriptures.

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Creator, and God’s kindom come through the witness and testimony of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

God calls the world into being, created and breathe life into humanity with the gift of choice to seek God first and God’s righteousness and live accordingly.

God seeks in holy love to save all people from evil, darkness, and sin.

God judges the world thorugh the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

In Jesus Christ, the begotten son of God, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our humanity and to redeem humanity conquering sin and death while reconciling creation to the God-self.

God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people.

God calls us to be the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ proclaiming and living the Gospel to all creation, and resist the powers of evil, share in Christ’s baptism, receiving our daily bread at the table of God’s grace, and to participate in the passion and victory of Jesus Christ.

Our Sunday worship services integrate traditional, contemporary, and inovative expressions of worship.

As we are gathered faithfully by the Holy Spirit each week, we come guided by a standard but flexible liturgy with hymns and songs at times led by the Praise Band proclaiming the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, meditation music, anthems by the choir, and expository or topical sermon (occasionally delivered by laypersons).

“But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” JOHN 4:23-24

If you willingly received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and desire to be welcomed into the Christian Community through baptism (or on behalf of a child)—baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit—contact our pastor or get connected with our church community.

Foundation

“In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognises two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.”

—From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ….”

—Acts 2:38

“For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have clothed yourself with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

—Galatians 3:26-28

What does Baptism signify?

The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God’s people always.

How does Baptism take place?

Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God’s gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift.

Why is water used?

Water is an essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible—the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of Israel through the sea, the water of Mary’s womb, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present in the service. In the United Church of Christ, the mode of baptism is a matter of choice. Some traditions use sprinkling, some pouring, and some immersion.

Who is baptized in the UCC?

Infants, children, youth and adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized before, baptism marks their acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, the sign and seal of God’s grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life.

Is Re-baptism necessary?

The United Church of Christ recognizes the validity of all baptisms, therefore there is no need for re-baptism. If there is a question about whether baptism has taken place, a conditional phrase may be added as a person is baptized, such as “if you are not already baptized.” It is a well-accepted practice, however, for people to renew their baptismal vows in a service of baptismal renewal, such as the Order for Renewal of Baptism in the UCC Book of Worship.

Is there a special time for Baptism?

Baptism is a personal celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their families. It is also a celebration within the local church family and a recognition of its commitment. For this reason, baptism is celebrated in the presence of the community gathered for worship. If circumstances require baptism to take place outside of corporate worship, members of the local church, if possible, may participate in the ceremony with the pastor. In urgent circumstances, such as imminent death, any Christian may perform the baptism.

When should a person be baptized?

Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered. In the early Christian church, the season of Lent was used as the final period for the preparation of candidates. In the scriptures that are read during the seasons from Advent up to Easter, there are many texts that teach the faith and point toward baptism. In the early church, the candidates were baptized together at the Vigil of Easter (the pre-dawn Easter service). Some local churches still perform baptisms at this service, or on Pentecost Sunday, and also baptize throughout the year.

Are sponsors present?

Parents, in consultation with the pastor, may choose sponsors or Godparents for infants and young children who are to be baptized. Other candidates for baptism may also be given this opportunity to have sponsors. At the time of the baptismal service, the sponsors, who accompany the candidates and present them for baptism, may make promises identical to the promises of the parents concerning their role.

SOURCE: About Baptism - United Church of Christ