Baptism is a special day for the person being baptised, Whether they are a young or old. As they are welcomed into the church as a member of God’s family, and we would be delighted to share this special day with you.
What is Baptism?
Baptism (which is another name for Christening) is the ceremony by which a person becomes a member of the worldwide Christian Church. Becoming a Christian means a new start in life, as if a person dies to their old way of life and is reborn to a new way of life. Baptism is also a symbolic washing away of the power of sin, through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Why are Baptisms in the Main Service of the Day?
All Baptisms are now performed in the Main service of the day in the Three Parish Churches. We also set all the dates at the beginning of the year so that there is a fair balance between them.
First and foremost, Baptism is undertaken in the main service because, Baptism is not a private affair, it is a public act of faith where we welcome those to be baptised into the family of Faith.
At the beginning of each baptism the following question is put to the congregation:
Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number
those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these children/candidates
and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
This is an important question to ask, because not only does it say that the church of God welcomes those to be baptised, but it is also promising to be there to support and help them through their lives.
If Baptism happens outside of the main service, then this important and key part of becoming a member of the household of God is lost. So when you do bring your child to baptism, you can be assured that the welcome you receive on the day will just be the beginning and not the end of the welcome you will receive whenever you join us at church.
Godparents?
If you decide to have your child baptised you will want to think carefully about godparents. These are the people who you will be trusting to teach the faith that we profess to your child.
It is worth taking some time to think carefully about your choices, and to ask yourself questions such as do the people we are choosing have an active faith? Are they able to speak about why their faith is important? Will they help your child to understand what their faith means as they grow up, so that in time they will be able to personally make those promises themselves later in life?
These are all important questions that you should consider when you are making the decision as to who will be the people you choose to be Godparents.
It is usual to have three godparents, two male and one female for a boy and two female and one male for a girl. Ideally they should be confirmed and practising members of a Church.
But at the very least they must themselves already be baptised
and able to make the promises sincerely.
If they are not then sadly they will not be able to stand as Godparents.
Godparents of other Christian denominations are welcome.
If you would like to know more, or enquire about booking a baptism, please contact our Vicar, who will be happy to talk you through the process.
Baptism for Adults
When an adult asks for Baptism the procedure that we go through is different as it is conducted as a pre-
If you would like to discuss being baptised, then please contact our Vicar, who will be happy to have a conversation with you.
Once you've read the information above - click here to begin booking your baptism