Download Dedication of a Baptism Font

When Lutherans grow in baptismal piety, they sometimes also want the place for Baptism to reflect more
clearly a strong baptismal theology. In recent years many churches have evaluated the location and size of
baptismal fonts. They want prominent fonts: front and center in the main aisle, or balancing a single
pulpit/lectern, or at the church's entryway. Size and location of font along with amount of water do not
determine the Sacrament's validity. But they can symbolize the powerful meaning of baptism both as the
Sacrament of regeneration and as God's promise with daily significance for our identity.
In a new church, the font is dedicated along with the dedication of the entire building. When a new font is
placed into an existing church, it is appropriate to dedicate the new font in a special rite.
See also Emphasize Baptism and Communicating Baptism's Power on the WELS Worship Website
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Dedication of a Baptismal Font
M:
Regarding the Sacrament of Holy Baptism Martin Luther writes: “Baptism is so full of comfort and
grace that heaven and earth cannot comprehend it.”
As we gather for the dedication of this new font, let us confess what God teaches about the
institution of Baptism as summarized in Luther’s Small Catechism:
C:
Baptism is not plain water, but it is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s
Word.
Thanks be to God for this gift of his grace!
M:
Let us also confess what God teaches about the blessings of Baptism:
C:
Baptism works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal
salvation to all who believe this.
Thanks be to God for this gift of his grace!
M:
Let us also confess what God teaches about the power of Baptism:
C:
It is certainly not the water that does such things, but God’s Word which is in and with the
water and faith which trusts this Word used with the Water.
Thanks be to God for this gift of his grace!
M:
Let us finally confess what God teaches about the meaning of Baptism for our daily life:
C:
Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and
repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new
person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Thanks be to God for this gift of his grace!
M:
By God’s grace we continually grow in our appreciation of God’s gifts in Holy Baptism and have
determined that our new font will emphasize the powerful meaning and importance of Holy
Baptism. So with thankful hearts for God’s indescribable gifts, we stand today before our new font,

a font that will bring life and salvation to all who receive God’s forgiveness in its waters,

a font that will encourage us to joyfully obey Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations
through baptizing and teaching,

a font that will assure us every time we gather here that, having been justified by his grace, we
are heirs, having the assurance of eternal life

a font that will remind us that through our baptism we are given power to fight Satan and to live
for God
C:
We dedicate this font in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
M:
To you, O God, be praise and honor through your Son () Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C:
Amen.