BAPTISMS

Baptisms and Christenings

Baptism and Christening are exactly the same thing - we use the word Baptism here rather than swapping between the two!

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Would you like to have your child baptised? Or be baptised yourself? 

What is baptism?

From the very first days of the Christian faith, people have been baptised as a sign that they are going to try to live the lives of love and peace for which God made us, whether they make that decision as adults, or have their parents bring them to be baptised.

Why bother?

Baptism is a wonderful way to give thanks for your child, to welcome them into your family and into the wider community, and to celebrate together. It’s a time to choose Godparents - those people you trust most completely to be there for your child, come what may, and show them how much you value their love and friendship.

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But it is more than that too…

Your child is precious to you and precious to God. You want the very best for them, and so does God. You want them to make right choices in life, for themselves and for others. And we all need help to make the right choices!

Having your child baptised means that you say “Yes” to the gift of God’s love and guidance in their life. It means that you commit to praying for them and helping them to live well.

It also means that the church - and everyone in it - commits to pray for you and your child. 

It is a time when the priest who baptises your child will bless them and pray for them, welcoming them into the church.

It’s a journey

Being baptised is just the first step as your child begins his or her journey of discovering about the love of God.

The church can help you to:

• Be there for your child to talk to about the bigger questions of life – questions about hope, faith and love.

• Pray for your child through the ups and downs of life.

• Show them practically how to make good choices.

• Help them to learn more about the love of God through the Christian faith, through their church and in other ways.

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How much does it cost?

Baptism is a gift! The church believes baptism is a gift to us, to enable us to grow closer to God. No charge is ever made for a baptism, so you don’t need to worry about what the church will cost - it’s completely free!

Getting ready

One of the ministers from the church will come to meet you and your child in your home at a time that suits you. We will talk the service through with you so that you understand everything that is going to happen - and ask any questions you may have. There is no such thing as a silly question!! 

Get in touch!

Whether you’re exploring the possibility of a baptism or whether you’ve already decided, we will be delighted to hear from you to talk about it and answer any questions you may have. Please email our Benefice Administrator.