Baptism
The Baptism of Young Children
The arrival of a child is a special event, and many people feel that baptism (sometimes called ‘christening’) is a wonderful way to celebrate that arrival, and to ask God’s richest blessing on the child. It’s a way to celebrate the gift by God of a new life.
But there’s a bit more to Baptism than that.
Baptism is one of the special ceremonies, or sacraments, that Jesus Christ gave to his followers as a sign of belonging to him (the other is Holy Communion). It’s a visible sign of God’s love for your child. Also, in the Bible, those who want to
follow Jesus are instructed to repent and be baptised.
Baptism therefore is about thanking God for his gift of life, but also about marking the beginning of a journey of faith: making a new start with God and becoming a member of the local church and the worldwide Christian family.
Baptism involves parents and godparents making promises. If you bring your child for Baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly on behalf of your child that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus. You will be asked to answer, on your child's behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and to turn instead to Christ and follow him.
You and the child's godparents will make these promises in front of the church congregation, which will promise to support you and pray for you and your child.
Because Baptism is so important, we ask parents (and godparents if possible) to attend special preparation sessions, to ensure that you understand the nature of the promises that Baptism involves. We also try to link you in as a family with all the other activities that we offer for
families and children of all ages.
If, after the preparation, you decide that you are not quite ready to make the promises Baptism involves, but would still like to come to Church to thank God for the gift of your child, then we can offer a service of thanksgiving. Please ask us for more details about this.
For more information about Baptism, or to request an application form, please telephone the Team Office on (01531) 631531 or send us an
email.
Not Just for Babies
Baptism isn’t just for babies and young children. It’s primarily a sign of becoming a follower of Jesus, and so is appropriate for anyone of any age – from 0 to 100 or more. The baptism of older children, teenagers and adults is a very special event, and is often included in with services of Confirmation. If you’ve not been baptised, and would like to think about Baptism for you, then please do get in touch with us, as we’d love to discuss this with you.
