The birth or arrival of a child into a family is one of life's 'big events'. `It is often soon after that a family makes the decision to mark the physical start of life's journey with the celebration of baptism. Baptism or Christening is the beginning of a spiritual journey with God which continues into adulhood and for the rest of our lives. For this reason the Church recomends that children or adults are baptised at the Church where they live, then they can continue to return on a Sunday or at great festivals like Christmas and Easter. As they learn and grow physically, being part of their local Church enables them to learn and grow spirtually too.
When do you hold baptims?
Our baptism's generally take place in a Sunday service, as recommended by the Church of England. This is becasue baptism is about becoming part of the family of God and becasue the service encourages the local church community to take a role in welcoming and supporting those who are newly baptised. There are ocassions when baptisms take place in a seperate service. We advise that you contact our Church administrator to find out what happens in the Church were you live.
How much do they cost?
There is no cost for a baptism but we do ask for donations at the end of the service.
What happends in the service?
In order to find out what happens we will invite parents to an hour long baptism preperation class so that you understand the promises and significance of baptism. We also like to email a leaflet with information to Godparents. It is also very helpful to attend Church services before hand so that you are familar with the church and the people.
What are the requirements for Godparents?
Children who are baptised into the Church of England traditonally have three Godparents. Two of whom should be the same sex as the child. Godparents MUST themselves be baptised (and if possible confirmed) and this is becasue part of their role, and the promises they will make, is to support your child to grow in faith and knowledge of the Christian religion. To be a Godparent is a spiritual role, and it involves praying for your child. People without an active faith are unlikely to be able to fulfil their role as Godparent.
To find out what is possible at your local Church please contact our administrator by returning to the previous page and completing 'Request for a Baptism form'.
What if I am not sure about baptism?
If you feel you may not be ready to make the promises that baptism requires we can organise a Thanksgiving Service instead.
This involves some prayers of thanksgiving for the safe birth and life of your child. You have the opportunity to name your child within the service and the minister will bless your child and pray for the family. There are no promises to make and no Godparents to choose. If you decide, or if your child decides, at a later date that you would like to make the commitments required in baptism then please contact us. You can contact our administrator about a Thanksgiving Service too.