Welcome to God's family

Jesus said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' (Matthew 28:18–20, NIV UK)

Through baptism, we join the family of God, the community of believers in Christ, and the local church. Baptism symbolises the washing away of sins and the believer's entry into the Christian community. The sacred ritual is performed by sprinkling water (or immersing in water) and invoking the Holy Trinity: 'I baptise you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.' It is based on the Great Commission that Jesus gave his disciples (Matthew 28:18–20). 

In the Lutheran Church, parents are encouraged to have their newborn children baptised without delay. But there are no age limits for baptism.