We aim to be a loving and welcoming Christian community:
honouring God in worship, following Christ in our lives and participating in his mission.
We welcome Christenings at any service, from couples (whether married, in a civil partnership or not legally committed) and from single people. The main morning service is at 10.30am
Alternatively, we can conduct a separate service on a Sunday afternoon at 2pm, 3pm or 4pm. Parents should have been baptised themselves. If you are not, we would be happy to talk with you about baptising you at the same service as your child.
You promise in the service that you will do what you can to bring your child up as a Christian, and we promise that we will make her/him welcome as part of the church.
There is no charge; we ask you to consider giving a donation to the church appropriate to the importance of the occasion.
THE BAPTISM SERVICE
The minister says to the whole congregation
Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome these children and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
The minister says to the parents and godparents
Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy.
In baptism they begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today.
Will you care for them, will you pray for them, will you walk with them in the way of Christ, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church?
Parents and godparents reply
With the help of God, we will.
THE DECISION
The Easter candle is lit.
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
We reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
We renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
We repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
We turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
We submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
We come to Christ.
SIGNING WITH THE CROSS
The minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate, saying
Christ claims you for his own.
Receive the sign of his cross.
When all the candidates have been signed, the minister says
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen.
Everyone is allowed to have their children baptised in their parish church. Please ring the Parish Office (01775 722772). We will discuss a suitable time and date and arrange for one of the clergy to contact you.
If you live in another parish we will ask you to contact the parish priest of your local church and let them know that you have asked for a baptism here. They may want to meet you or to talk to you about what your local church offers.
To find your local church visit A Church Near You