Baptism and Thanksgiving Services
Baptism is one of the most important services we hold in the Church and is a visible sign of God’s love. Your child is unique and is a gift from God and in the same way that we love our children God loves each one us. Parents and Godparents are asked to make promises in the sight of God and in his presence. No one has perfect faith and doubts and questions are very common. However, your desire to do your best as a parent & Godparent and to pray for this child is most important.
Decisions taken by Parents & Godparents
- To reject evil and rebellion against God
- To turn to Christ as your Saviour
- To follow Christ in your daily lives
Later on in the service there is a Profession of Faith where you are asked to say that you believe in God the Father creator of heaven and earth, God the Son – Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit. If you and your Godparents are happy to make these commitments personally and on behalf of the child then the Baptism service is for you. If you would prefer your child to make their own personal commitment when they are older or feel that you cannot make this profession of faith then we offer a beautiful thanksgiving service which celebrates the birth of your child thanking God for them and asking for his blessing.
Adult Baptism
We regularly do adult baptisms followed by or combined with confirmation services where individuals confirm their faith in Jesus Christ following infant baptism. These are very special joyful services and usually follow attendance at one of our preparation courses such as START or Alpha.
What do I need to know?
When can I be baptised?
The usual times for baptism are at the 10.45am eXplore Service on the fourth Sunday in April and August, or at a 3pm Baptism Service on the third Sunday of the month.
Parking at the church is very limited, and we ask that you park in town if possible so that those who do not find it easy to walk are able to find space. We have maps and instructions for parking available if you have visitors coming who do not know the town well.
Godparents or Sponsors
It is usual to have three godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but to have one godfather and one godmother is sufficient. Parents may be godparents to their own children, provided that the child has at least one other godparent. For adults who wish to be baptised we suggest they have a sponsor who can pray for them and support them in their Christian life.
Church law provides that godparents should be baptised and confirmed, but the requirement of confirmation can be relaxed in certain cases. Please speak to the Vicar about this.
This is a prayer that you might want to use:
Lord walk with _____________ and guide her/him. Watch over her/him. Keep her/him safe.
May all her/his days be filled with wonder and joy and with the nearness of you. Amen
The usual times for baptism are at the 10.45am eXplore Service on the fourth Sunday in April and August, or at a 3pm Baptism Service on the third Sunday of the month.
Parking at the church is very limited, and we ask that you park in town if possible so that those who do not find it easy to walk are able to find space. We have maps and instructions for parking available if you have visitors coming who do not know the town well.
Godparents or Sponsors
It is usual to have three godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but to have one godfather and one godmother is sufficient. Parents may be godparents to their own children, provided that the child has at least one other godparent. For adults who wish to be baptised we suggest they have a sponsor who can pray for them and support them in their Christian life.
Church law provides that godparents should be baptised and confirmed, but the requirement of confirmation can be relaxed in certain cases. Please speak to the Vicar about this.
This is a prayer that you might want to use:
Lord walk with _____________ and guide her/him. Watch over her/him. Keep her/him safe.
May all her/his days be filled with wonder and joy and with the nearness of you. Amen