Primary

Primary Handbook

Baptism Guidelines

Reno Nevada Stake Policy Regarding Scheduling Baptismal Services

Updated November 2022

In an effort to support home-centered and church-supported observance of the Sabbath Day, the Reno Stake Presidency requests ward and stake leaders schedule baptisms on a day other than Sunday. Handbook 2, 18.1 states “Leaders should ensure that Sunday meetings are not so numerous that there is little time for parents and children to be together on that day. Where possible, leaders should avoid scheduling Sunday meetings other than those in the standard three-hour schedule, leadership meetings in the early mornings, and occasional meetings in the evenings.”

Handbook 2, 20.3.4 also states, “Baptismal services should not be scheduled on Monday evenings.”

The Prophet and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have instructed us that the new Sabbath meeting schedule “allows more time for a home evening and to study the gospel at home”. In response to the prophet’s council, the Reno Stake has implemented "Sabbath Sacred Time" between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm every Sunday, during which time we request that no church meetings or activities be scheduled.

As we prioritize our Sunday time for individual, family, and group gospel study we are promised that the “Sabbath day will truly be a delight” and “we will obtain a deep and lasting conversion” to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Family Preparation for Baptism

Font Specialists

Updated November 2022

Dear Bishops and Primary Presidents of the Reno Nevada Stake,

We have realized under the Baptism Guidelines for the children of record, there is a “gray area” regarding the filling of the font. Our stake presidency has directed us to have the wards take a larger and more supportive role in helping the families with Primary baptisms. Our stake presidency suggests that one or two “font specialists” be assigned to each ward. The font specialist can be a member of the ward Primary Presidency, bishopric member over Primary, ward Mission leader, etc. This will prevent the baptism family from having added responsibility on this special day with their loved ones. The Church guidelines and font duties are attached to this letter as Baptismal Guidelines.

For access to the stake center, Font Specialists may obtain keys from any member of the stake Primary presidency, Sean Neahusan (HC member over Primary), Danny Hunsaker (HC member over missionary work) or President Paul Keele (Stake Presidency member over Primary).

Another way wards may support families is to provide a sample baptismal agenda two weeks prior to the baptism so the bishop or presiding leader has time to review and approve the agenda. See, The Handbook 18.7.2 for guidance regarding baptismal service agenda.

Regarding scheduling baptismal services, “in an effort to support home-centered and church supported observance of the Sabbath Day, the Reno Nevada Stake Presidency requests ward and stake leaders schedule baptisms on a day other than Sunday.” The Handbook 20.6.10 states, “Baptismal services should not be scheduled on Monday evenings.”

We love and appreciate each of you and all you do! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this.

Sincerely,

The Reno Nevada Stake Primary Presidency

Reno Nevada Stake Primary
Baptism - Frequently Asked Questions

Updated November 2022

1. What do I wear to the baptism service?

Sunday clothes, WHITE underwear.

2. Where is the baptism and when should I arrive?

-Golconda Stake Center, 1095 Golconda Dr.: Beaumont, Canyon Creek, Hunter Lake, Peavine Valley, River Bend & Skyline Wards
-Tahoe N. Chapel, 7851 N. Kingswood Dr.: Tahoe North Ward

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the service to pick up your baptismal clothing from your Primary President. Then you can change clothes, take pictures, and greet guests!

3. What do I need to have with me?

Towel, comb, change of dry underwear, white socks (if desired), bag to take your wet clothes home.

4. Who may come to see me be baptized?

Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters, Grandmas and Grandpas, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers, anyone!

5. Can I hold my nose when I go under the water?

Yes, the person baptizing you will show you how.

6. What does it mean to be baptized by “immersion”?

This means that your whole body is put completely under the water and then brought back up out of the water. Being under the water is a likeness of Jesus’ death and burial. Being brought up out of the water is a likeness of Jesus’ resurrection to a new life, and a likeness of your being born to a new, clean life of righteousness.

7. What happens if some of my hair or one of my toes doesn’t go all the way under the water?

You will be immersed (put under the water) a second time.

8. What promise or covenant do I make with Heavenly Father when I am baptized?

You promise that from now on you will choose the right and obey all of His commandments. You will take upon yourself the name of Christ (i.e., to become one of his true followers), and always remember to do what he has taught us to do.

9. What does Heavenly Father promise me?

That his Spirit (the Holy Ghost) will always be with you. This will help you do what is right and be happy. The Holy Ghost will help you to return and live with Him again.

10. Why must I be baptized and confirmed only by a man who holds the priesthood?

A man who holds the priesthood has some of the same powers on earth that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus have. Jesus says that if a man is a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood, or holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, he has the right or authority to baptize people in Jesus’ name. A man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood has the right to confirm people members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

11. How can I remember the promises I make at baptism?

By reverently partaking of the Sacrament each Sunday, and by listening to prayers offered over the bread and water. You are part of a worldwide group of individuals striving to become more like Jesus Christ. To represent that unity, you will receive several emblems during your time in Primary. Your Bishop at your Baptismal interview will give you a ring and picture of the Temple which will also help you remember the promises you have made at Baptism.

12. What if I have other questions?

Please contact the stake Primary president, Suzy Gonda.

Revised 9-2-2022