Its Purpose and Procedure
Meaning
and Purpose of Baptism
Baptism is the momentous act
by which the Holy Spirit incorporates us into the people of God, the
Body of Christ.
St Peter writes that baptism saves us (I Peter 3:21)
and makes us members of God's royal priesthood, God's special people
who are to show forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness
into His marvellous light. (2:9).
In baptism we become part of the community of faith
in which Christ dwells. Baptism personally bestows on us all that “salvation”
in Jesus Christ implies. St. Paul says that we are called to live out
of our baptism, dying to our old self and rising to new life in Christ
through daily repentance and renewal. (Romans 6:4)
Baptismal Procedures
Baptism is, therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly
or lightly. It is recognized by this congregation that:
In case of life-threatening emergencies, every Christian,
empowered by her/his own baptism, can baptize another person in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This, however, requires the
consent of the person, or parent or guardian who can properly speak
for the person to be baptized.
In case of an infant or young child, at least one
session should take place with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and pastor
to discuss the meaning and purpose of baptism, and the responsibility
of the parent/guardian to be an example of faith and action within the
Christian community. A commitment must be made by the parent/guardian
that the child will be raised within the community of faith and is to
receive Christian instruction as the child grows in years.
If an older child or adult is to be received into
the believing community by baptism, it is to be preceded by a period
of instruction in the Christian faith and the person is to make public
affirmation of faith at the time of baptism.
It is the usual procedure that baptism will take place
within public worship.
Usually, two weeks prior to the baptism, the pastor
should communicate with the church secretary so that she will:
- prepare the baptismal documents;
- announce the baptism in the previous Sundays bulletin;
- prepare the baptismal font on the day of the baptism;
- enter the information in the permanent church records.
SERVICES OF MARRIAGE
Note: It is important that the Protestant Christian
Church of Bali and its local congregations follow specific procedures
for the performance of marriages under the auspices of the church. Indonesian
law has restrictions regarding marriage between Indonesians and persons
of other nationalities and religions. Government regulations require
that a couple, one or both of whom are Indonesian, who wish to marry,
be of the same religions. This is especially important if a Christian
is marrying a person other than a Christian. If one partner is becoming
Christian, baptism must take place before or during the wedding ceremony.
If this is not done, the church can be legally liable and subject to
law suits if the marriage is contested by the family. Therefore, both
partners must have a baptismal certificate. In case a certificate is
lost or unavailable, the party or parties must send a request to their
home congregation for proof of baptism.
Information Required by the Synod Office for a Religious
Wedding Ceremony
(Civil wedding ceremonies in Indonesian are processed
through the Kantor Sipil. These ceremonies may be held before, during,
or after the religious ceremony).
For legal purposes and paperwork, the Synod requires
the following information for a religious wedding ceremony:
- Full name of bride and bridegroom, with complete
home addresses and occupations
- Birth Certificate – copy
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage ceremony
- ID-for non-Indonesian citizens, a copy of passport
from each; for Indonesians, a copy of their KTP (Indonesian ID card)
- Copy of certificates of baptism may need to be produced
as evidence of religious affiliation
- One colored photograph of the couple side by side,
6 x 4 cm
- In the case of a divorce, an official document of
marriage dissolution
- In the case of non-Indonesian citizens, a letter
from the relevant consulate, Surat tidak keberatan, or Certificates
of arriage, if their civil ceremony has already been held.
- Rp. 315.000 for the marriage certificate from the
Synod Office. Contact: Ibu Lilawati
Procedures for the Legian English-Speaking Congregation
If a wedding is to be held in the Legian church, the
usual procedures is:
- The church secretary is to be notified so that she can re-check
the documents listed above.
- The date and time of the wedding must be arranged with the secretary.
- Weddings are not to take place during the Sunday service; however,
the ceremony may take place following the service or at an appropriate
time during the week.
- Pastoral counselling with the couple is expected, especially for
members of the congregation, to aid in establishing a sound foundation
for Christian marriage and to encourage the couple to play an active
role in worship, Bible Study, and fellowship in the congregation.
Other Things to Fulfil Your Wedding Ceremony (not member)
Church maintenance: Rp. 1.000.000
Church Administration: Rp. 1.000.000
Minister: Rp.500.000
Worker (4 people) @ Rp. 40.000/person: Rp.160.000
Transport to arrange the certificate: Rp. 20.000
Organist : Rp. 200.000
Singer : Rp. 200.000
Additional if you need
Decoration: Rp. 2.500.000 (negotiable)
Photo, video shooting
For further information please feel free to contact
Merriyes Lumuly by:
Office number : 754 255 Tuesday -
Friday ( 8 am – 4 pm ), Saturday ( 8 am – 12 noon ), Flexi phone: 856 3884, mobile
number : 081 797 656 73 ( anytime )
