Baptism (sometimes known as ‘christening’)

Children and infants: We are very pleased to support parents who wish to initiate their children into the Christian faith through the sign of baptism, which is the normal practice of the Church of England. However, baptism is something we approach carefully, with the best interests of the child in mind.

Our main concern is for children we baptise to have an ongoing connection with the worshipping community of Christians (the church). In a baptism service parents are asked 2 questions about their intentions, to make sure they will give their child this ongoing connection with church: Will you draw your child by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ? and Will you help your child take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church? It’s important that parents can answer ‘yes’ with integrity.

For this reason, we baptise children only when parent(s) intend to help their child build an ongoing connection with the church. Think of it like this: imagine a child being given a season ticket to their favourite football club… it’s an amazing gift, but only if their parents are prepared to bring them to matches, letting them experience what it means to be a supporter, enjoy the atmosphere, and learn the songs etc. In much the same way, it’s vital that a baptised child not only receives the special badge of belonging to the church (baptism) but is allowed to take part in the weekly life of the church, where they can continue learning about Jesus and experience following him with others.

So we ask families enquiring about baptism to come to St Margaret’s for a few months, to give them time to work out whether they want an ongoing connection with the Christian church. Once the family know who we are and what church is all about, we can begin to set dates for baptism preparation and a baptism service. (If after visiting us you decide you’d rather be part of another church, that’s fine… in which case we recommend having your child baptised there, in the church your family is choosing to be part of.)

Some families may not be ready to make that profession of faith and commit to an ongoing connection to the church. Others want to let their child grow up first, and make their own decision to be baptised as adults. Where that’s the case, we can offer you a thanksgiving blessing within a regular service to thank God for your child and pray his blessing on both you as parents and your child as he / she grows up.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like to speak to someone about baptism or thanksgiving blessings.

If you are an adult who has become a follower of Jesus and joined our church but you haven’t been baptised, let’s talk about it – it would be a joy to baptise you!