Why is the font so big?
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the biggest thing God does for us through the Church. Baptism is how we become members of Christ's Church, and is the beginning of our life of faith. The font is the place we are "born from above."
The Lutheran Church has been reclaiming its theology of Holy Baptism. For centuries, Baptism was nothing more than 'Christening,' a social formality that meant very little in the life of the Church. Baptisms were 'done' in private, and fonts became smaller and smaller.
With the "Lutheran Book of Worship", however, American Lutherans have gone back to our Christian roots, to reclaim the gist of Holy Baptism. We celebrate the Sacrament with prominence within our community's service of worship because Baptism is not a private matter, but a joining into the community of faith. Our new font is another step in reclaiming the prominence of Holy Baptism in our lives as children of God. |
Why is it at the back of the sanctuary?
Actually, the font is placed at the entrance to the sanctuary. This is in keeping with the tradition of the early Christian Church: our forebears in the faith rightfully recognized Holy Baptism as our entrance into the church. We are made members of the Body of Christ in our Baptism. As we walk past the font to enter the sanctuary every week, we will be reminded of 'how we were brought into the Church.' Some of us may dip our fingers into the font and trace the sign of the cross on our foreheads, as a remembrance of our Baptism.
Why the three steps on the inside of the font?
The design of the font is in the tradition of the Church. The three steps on either side of the inside of the font represent the three days Jesus spent in the tomb before rising again. They also give us wonderful Baptismal imagery for going down into and coming out of the waters of Baptism—a dying and rising with Christ.
Will First Lutheran be going to immersion Baptism?
Actually, the question should be, 'Will First Lutheran be going back to immersion Baptism?' The traditional Baptism of the Christian Church through the ages has been immersion. Jesus was immersed in the River Jordan.
Practically, though, immersion Baptism will not be performed, unless someone specifically requests to be baptized in this manner. Most of the baptisms will still take place in the pouring manner.
The water in the font can recirculate, making a 'flowing' sound; it can also be heated. Why?
Water will be kept in the font at all times as a visual sign and reminder of our own Baptisms. The water can also be recirculated. Hearing the sound of the waters of Baptism lets another sense remind us of our Baptisms. The water will be heated only when there is a Baptism.
If you are interested in Baptism at First Lutheran, please contact us. Send us an email or fill out our inquiry form.
