Baptisms

Thank you very much for inquiring about baptism (sometimes called Christening) for your child. We will do everything we can to help you arrange this very special event.

What:
The church baptises children, young people and adults as a sign of the new beginning they are making just as Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan at the beginning of his ministry. The service includes washing with water, making the sign of the cross on the candidate’s forehead and the presentation of a candle. It marks their full membership of the Christian Church and we hope you will bring them up within the life of the church. If the candidate is unable to come to church, then a baptism can take place at home or in hospital

Where:
We hold baptism services regularly in each of our churches. You may choose whichever church you want and you may already have a link with one of them. For example, the church in which you were married or which was nearest to the home in which you grew up.

When:
We encourage people to have the baptism/christening during the main Sunday morning service but often it is more convenient, especially for those whose families and friends are travelling some distance, to choose the later time of 12.30 pm. If you choose the 12.30 pm service, we will arrange for you to bring your child to the next Family service for a special ‘welcome’; these take place on the first Sunday of each month at 9.30am. As soon as you know which dates would be best for you, please contact the Church Office by ‘phone.

Who:
One of our team of priests will take the service. She or he will contact you to make a time to meet and get to know you. This will also be an opportunity to talk through the service and answer any questions you may have.

Godparents:
Choosing the right adult Godparents will be an important decision. They will be people who will pray for your child and help you as your child grows. With you, they will take part in the service. Most people choose three godparents and traditionally two of these are the same gender as the child. You can talk about this with the priest.

What to do next:

If you are ready to think about dates or have any questions, please ‘phone or email Gail Newell or Jackie Rowe, our Parish Administrators, in the Church Office. 

Come along to any of our church services to meet us. Children and young people play an important part in all our main services and regular ‘family services’ (shorter and livelier) are held. As they grow older, there are children’s clubs, choirs, musicals, bell-ringing, holiday activities etc.

We have two midweek groups for children and young people, both meeting on the first Thursday of the month in the Church Hall, Church Street, Fordingbridge.

For babies and pre-school children (with their parents, grandparents or carers), Puddle Ducklings meet at 12.30pm

And for school age children, Boost meet at 3.30pm

Please phone Jackie or Gail for details of the next groups.