Baptisms

To arrange a baptism please contact Revd Paul or Revd Simon, see Contact Us 

A Parent's Guide to Baptism

Why Baptism?

Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God's love. It is not just a family event to get organised and a ceremony to get 'done' - but the beginning of helping your child to grow spiritually.  Your child will grow up taking notice of what you say and do - probably picking up your mannerisms and expressions on the way! So your faith is important - as your child gets older, he or she will grow up with your faith.

Part of preparing for baptism then is thinking through your understanding of God and how he is part of your life. By asking for your child to be baptised, you show that you are thinking about faith and its place in your growing family. We hope that eventually your child will profess the faith themselves as they come to be confirmed.

What is Baptism?

It is NOT

     A naming ceremony -

   you named your child soon after they were born and that name has been registered.  

A magic formula to get your child into heaven -

God's love for your child doesn't need to be switched on by a special service - it was there from the moment your child was conceived!  

To give them a good start in life -

   your child won't have better 'luck' or immunity from disease, accidents etc.

It IS:

   Entry into the family of the Church -

The Church is not a building - it is God's family.

The beginning of a new life - belonging to Christ -

         This is why it is sometimes called 'Christening' - through Jesus Christ we are adopted into God's family.

For all involved - children, parents, godparents, the rest of your family and the wider Church - it is a joyful time when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring our faith.

The Baptism Service

This is a public sign of your own faith and trust in God, when the wider community of the local Church, together with your family and friends welcomes your child as a new Christian and promises to support and pray for you in your journey of faith. This is why, when possible, baptism takes place in a normal Sunday service.

You and the godparents will be asked to respond on behalf of your child to these questions:

Do you turn to Christ?

Parents and godparents say:  I turn to Christ.

Do you repent of your sins?

Parents and godparents say:   I repent of my sins.

Do you renounce evil?

Parents and godparents say:  I renounce evil.

The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way.

Sign of the Cross

A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. Jesus died for us on the cross and so Christians have taken the cross as their sign. The Minister traces the cross on your child's forehead as a sign that they belong to Christ's kingdom.

Water

Water is essential for life and so is a sign of new life. We are born again by water and the Spirit as Jesus was at his baptism. It is also for cleansing - a reminder that we are 'washed clean' of the wrong in our lives by God's forgiveness. Ordinary tap water is used in the font. A prayer is said over it to set it apart for the special purpose of baptism before it is poured over your child’s head three times.

A Lighted Candle

Jesus is the 'light of the world' - the lighted candle is a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptised can walk in that light for the rest of their lives.

The Welcome

 If the baptism takes place during a Sunday morning service, the congregation will welcome your child as the newest member of God's family. If no,t you will be invited to come and join us at the next family service.

Choosing Godparents

Traditionally, parents choose three godparents, two of the same gender as the child and one of the opposite gender. However, one, two or four godparents may be just as appropriate. What is important is that the example of Christianity they will provide is the one which you feel is most appropriate and will help you as your teach your child about the Christian faith.

In order to do this, godparents must be baptised (christened) themselves.The church denomination they are part of (i.e. Methodist, Anglican, Baptist,Roman Catholic) does not matter. Generally, godparents are over the age of 18. However, younger people may be just as effective role models. However, if you would like to have someone under the age of 16, it is better to discuss this with your minister before you ask them.

The real responsibility of godparents comes after your child’s baptism. Part of this is how they put their own faith into action, the example that they give of what being a Christian really means. Is it just about going to Church on a Sunday or is it something which moulds their day to day life? How would you and your child know that the Christian faith was important in their life?

Importantly, it is also about developing a relationship with your child as they grow; praying daily for them and for yourselves as parents. Someone who will take an interest in your child’s well being, the things that are important to them, their likes and dislikes. Someone who will mark special occasions, like birthdays, starting a new school, passing a driving test, their ‘Baptism Birthday’ and, as your child grows, someone who your child can get to know and trust, someone else who will listen to them, someone else they can talk to, share their fears and anxieties with. 

The Church Family

As a Church, we are there to help you grow in your faith and accompany you on your spiritual journey.

Here is a list of our services click and other weekly events click