Baptism and Thanksgiving
When a new baby arrives it’s natural to want to celebrate this special event with family and friends, and to say ‘thank you’ for the wonderful gift of a new life.
BAPTISM
Baptism (also known as ‘Christening’) marks the beginning of a journey with God, which continues for the rest of our lives; for some it’s the first step in their response to God’s love. It’s a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ; and in response we make promises and declare the Christian faith.
If you are bringing your child to baptism, you and your child’s godparents will be required to answer questions on your child’s behalf during the service. You will be expected to pray for them at home and to bring them up in an awareness of what God in Jesus Christ has done for us; among other things this means helping them to take their place within the life and worship of the Church.
These are serious promises, undertaken in church in the presence of God: they should not be taken lightly.
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
This is an opportunity for parents and families to give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to pray for their family life.
If parents wish to recognise the role of supporting friends, they can be invited to stand with the parents at the thanksgiving. The child is first named and blessed; we then pray for them and for God’s help and blessing for you in the raising of your child.
By choosing a Service of Thanksgiving for your child, you enable them – when they are older – to decide for themselves whether they would like to be baptised.
Either service can take place during a Sunday morning service, or in the afternoon.
Please fill out the form below to enquire about a Baptism, OR contact the Church Office to discuss your child's Service of Thanksgiving.
