Thinking about Baptism in one of our churches?

We’re very glad you have enquired about baptism, and we would love to welcome you and your child into our church family.

Why people want their child baptized…

* To give them their name properly

Children are properly named when their birth is registered

* To make sure they will go to heaven

God loves children, as he loves everyone, and does not judge them on whether they have been baptized or not.

* To thank God for their birth

A very good thing to do. There is a service specially for Thanksgiving for the birth of a child (which is not the same as Baptism). The Vicar will be glad to arrange one instead of, or as well as, a Baptism service

* To give them a good start in life

Yes. This needs to continue with a Christian up- bringing—otherwise it is a start of nothing, and the baptism has no meaning.

* So that they can grow up as a Christian

Great! And that needs more than baptism. If you are going to give them a Christian upbringing then now is the time for Baptism. But if you are not, it is better that they should be allowed to choose for themself about baptism later—they can be baptized at any age, and it will be full of meaning for them

So what is Baptism all about?

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. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church.

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

* There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us.
* Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism.

And as a sign of that new life, there may be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptized walks in that light for the rest of their lives

Help in giving your child a Christian upbringing

Bringing up your child in the Christian faith involves

* Reading them Bible stories and later teaching him to read the Bible for himself
* Praying with them and teaching them to pray
* Showing by your example what it means to live as a Christian
* Coming to church together

We know that can be difficult!

Contact Reverend Paula Smith for more details