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What is an American Baptist?
Lake Avenue Baptist Church is a part of the denomination known as American Baptist Churches USA, one of many denominations in the US that use the name “Baptist”. Each American Baptist church determines its own life and practices, but we are bound together by a number of distinctive practices. We practice Believer’s Baptism (hence the name Baptist), meaning we baptize persons who are old enough to decide for themselves that they wish to become followers of Jesus. Our congregations make decisions democratically: each church determines its own membership standards, who its pastor will be, and what its budget is. We are strongly committed to mission, in the broadest sense of the word. American Baptist mission efforts are global in scope, and they include not only evangelism but also holistic efforts in partnership with indigenous churches in the areas of healthcare, education and other areas of systemic change.
American Baptists typically share much of Christian belief with other protestant groups. However we are distinctive in insisting that no institutionally mandated confession or creed is binding on the individual believer, and that the Bible as a whole is sufficient basis for our life and practice. We believe strongly in the right of both the individual and the local church to interpret scripture. And American Baptist Churches have long been vocal champions of both religious liberty and separation of church and state.
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What is communion?
Communion is a drama of God’s love for all people. It reminds us of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as it commemorates Jesus’ last Passover meal. We share food for the body (bread and grape juice) and are also fed with faith, hope, and love. Thus fed, we are sent out to share these gifts with others.
Baptists call communion an “ordinance” rather than a “sacrament”, since Jesus instructed his followers to eat this common meal in remembrance of him. At Lake Avenue Baptist Church, we practice “open communion”. All who seek after Christ’s spirit are welcome at the table. |
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Can children participate in communion?
The communion table is open to persons of all ages. We all share God’s love, and on one, even the oldest and wisest of our congregation, can totally understand the mystery of God’s love. Our church recognizes that there are a variety of personal beliefs and church backgrounds related to communion.
Adults and children in a family need to talk about communion so that a thoughtful decision about children’s participation is made. Many young persons choose to begin taking communion on a regular basis after they are baptized and become church members. |
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What is baptism?
At Lake Avenue, we practice “Believer’s Baptism.” We recognize the validity of others’ experience, so it isn’t a requirement for joining the church! But it is a strong part of who we are. In this form of Baptism, someone who has decided to follow Christ comes forward before the congregation and is asked simply if they have decided to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Upon affirmation, the individual is fully immersed in water, signifying the ending of an old life, and the beginning of a new life in Christ. In this new life, we believe that all the old dividing walls of hostility that separate us as people begin to crumble. We are made one through the grace of God, and through the example and sacrificial love of Jesus. For us there is nothing magical about water. Baptism is a strong and compelling symbol of spiritual change that is life-long as a process. |
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How do I become a member?
Well, for starters, come visit us! Get to know people, and ask all the questions you want to. When you are ready to join the church, you may signify this by coming forward during a service at the designated time, or simply by speaking to one of our pastors. After doing so, you will meet with the Membership Committee, to share any concerns, and so we can learn something of your particular story. Following that meeting the Diaconate of the church will vote to receive you (that’s our democratic church heritage). As a church we do not have doctrinal requirements for membership. And we are clear that race, sexual orientation and others such categories are not to be obstacles to membership! Our members come from many backgrounds; we share a love of God and a desire to love our neighbors. |
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What church facilities are available for use?
See our Church Facilities web page for details. |
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If I am gay or lesbian, am I welcome?
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How do I find this place?
Check out our Directions web page to view a map to the church. |
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Would I be able to receive a Newsletter from the church?
Yes. Just send us an email with your address and we will be glad to add you to our list! |
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Why are so many Burmese refugees (Karen & Chin primarily) coming to Lake Avenue Baptist?
Lake Avenue has been blessed in 2007 with the arrival of many Burmese refugees to Rochester and to our worshipping community. Beginning in November, 2006, we learned that a few refugees had been settled in Rochester. 15 years ago, Lake Avenue sponsored 5 Burmese students and 2 of them continue as active members in our church, so our pastor, Peter Carman, took one of them, Hka Din Lee, to find these new refugees who were delighted to find a welcome from someone who spoke Burmese and was also Baptist. Many, although by no means all of these Karen and Chin refugees are Baptist. Others are Pentecostal, Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim. American Baptist ties to Burma go back to the 19th century and Lake Avenue has supported missionaries to Burma in the past, so now these fellow Baptists have found their way to us.
From this simple beginning has come the many Burmese refugees now coming to LABC for worship and Sunday School. We have a Karen Service and a Chin Service following our English language service led by Karen and Chin leaders. We are attempting to provide transportation to all who want to come using our church van and individual drivers for pick up and take home on Sunday mornings. Our youth and children's classes of Sunday School our now multi-lingual with American and Karen and Chin teachers working together. |
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