Baptism - An Information Leaflet

Jesus said: ‘Go to all nations and make them my disciples…baptise them…. and teach them….and be assured I am with you always to the end of time.

He also said: ‘Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these

Every child is special

It is good to celebrate the gift of new life, to give thanks to God, the source of all life.   The Christian Church welcomes all children and offers two services:

• A Service of Baptism (sometimes known as ‘Christening)
• A Service of thanksgiving and blessing

The Service of Baptism 

Baptism is a sacrament by which children (and people of all ages) are welcomed in the care and family of the Church, a sign of God’s love in Christ.   It has been practised since the very beginning of the church, at the command of Jesus himself.   From early on in the Church’s history children as well as adults were included in baptism. Because the service is one of welcome into the church it normally takes place in the first part of main 10.30 a.m. Sunday Worship (generally on the fourth Sunday of the month).   After the baptism the service continues with readings and address, while children (aged 4 to 11) go to the hall for activities and pre-school children and babies go to the crèche.  

Your promises as parents

Because young children cannot make a commitment of their own, their parents (supported by the church) need to make promises, enabling the children to experience Christian faith and Church life for themselves, so that in time they can make their own decision about following Jesus.   In the service you as parents (or parent) are asked to make the following two promises:

The Church expects you as parents to take both these promises seriously, giving your child a Christian upbringing and sharing in the church’s life as you are able.

Godparents

As a church we place the main emphasis on the parent’s responsibility to give their children a Christian upbringing.   Because of this we do not insist that you have godparents (or sponsors).   However they can have a valuable supporting role. Traditionally there are three godparents (2 of the same gender as the child and one of the opposite gender), but you may have less or more (within reason!)   They should have a real interest and care for the child, a Christian background and be able to make the following promise:

The Church’s promise

The congregation also makes a promise at the baptism service:

The Church keeps in contact through its cradle roll sending out birthday cards and inviting families to special services during the year.   When children reach the age of four they are invited to the church’s main children’s group called ‘Pilots’.   Among the activities for young children at the church are: 

• Tiny Tots Service on first Thursday of the month at 2 pm in the hall lounge.   A short time of stories, songs and activities for pre school children babies and parents followed by refreshments.
• Our 10.30 am Sunday Service has activities for children every Sunday and a special all age focus on the Second Sunday of the month. There are new baby changing facilities and a crèche room attached to the church.
• Crèche and Pilots (group for children aged 4 – 11)
• Holiday clubs and special activities.

Thanksgiving and blessing of children 

This service is offered to all who wish to give thanks for the birth of their child and ask God’s blessing, and is offered without qualification.   Some parents choose this service because they wish their child to be able to make their own decision whether to baptised, when they are old enough to consider the Christian faith for themselves.   Other parents do so because they feel unable to make the promises required at the baptism of infants.   

The service is not a substitute for baptism, but does express the family’s thankfulness at the birth of their child, their dedication as parents and their wish for God to bless their child.   Parents are invited to make promises as in the service below (though these can be adapted):

This is followed by a prayer and blessing for the child.

This short service of blessing again normally takes place in the first part of the Sunday morning 10.30 am Family Worship.

Your decision

It is your decision whether to bring your child for baptism or a simple blessing.   You need to think about what you want for your child and what you feel able to promise and do on their behalf.   The minister will tell you more about the services and what is involved.   He will also have a form for you to fill in and be able to tell you dates when the baptism or blessing can take place.

Want to know more?

Please speak to the minister:

Revd Terry Hinks Abbey Manse, The Abbey, Romsey SO51 8EL