Can we have our baby Baptised?
We are often asked this question - and welcome it! Many
parents want to mark the birth of their child with a service in church,
and we want to help to make that possible. If you are interested in having
a service for your child, read on ...
What about Baptism (or Christening)?
There are lots of reasons people give for wanting their
baby baptised (or Christened, which is the same thing). Maybe they think
it's the 'done thing', or somehow the baby is in danger until
it happens, or perhaps grandma wants the baby done! None of these reasons
is a good one to have your baby baptised.
In the Baptism Service, parents and godparents have to
make important promises before God. These include a promise of regular
church-going as an example to your child, a declaration that you
are a committed follower of Jesus Christ yourself, and a promise to
teach the child about the Christian faith as they grow up. Not everyone
is ready to make those promises.
Baptism is an important step - and we want to make sure
that you are absolutely ready to take it. So, when you contact us, we
will arrange a series of three our four meetings to go through exactly
what baptism and being a Christian is about. We ask that you attend church
regularly during that time. If, after these meetings, you are ready and
happy to have your child baptised, we will be happy to make arrangements.
What if we don't want baptism?
All is not lost! We can offer a service of Thanksgiving
for the birth of your child. In this service we thank God for your child,
and ask for his blessing for him or her. You can have sponsors, and we
will give you a certificate to mark the occasion. This service does not
require you or the sponsors to make any promises. The service is free.
When do Thanksgivings and Baptisms happen?
The Thanksgiving Service and Baptism Service are both
included in the morning service at either The Parish Rooms, Wishing Tree
Road (St Annes), or Church in the Wood. Please contact us to find out
the next possible dates. A date will be arranged with you which is convenient
for both you and us.
How do we take this further?
Contact one of the clergy to discuss baptism.
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