Baptisms and Blessings at Abbey United Reformed Church

Baptism - a sign of God's welcome to all

Baptism is one of the two great sacraments of the Church; the other being Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper). It is administered with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (that is the name of ) and marks the entry of the person baptised into the life of the Church. Because of this, it is only administered once to any person.

Baptism of people of all ages

When a person is able to make a response for himself or herself, baptism involves a commitment of faith in God and Jesus and entry into full membership of the church. On the other hand, when young children are baptised, their parents - supported by the church - make promises, enabling the children to experience Christian faith and Church life, so that in time they may be led to make a Christian commitment for themselves.

Baptism of children

Like much of the Christian Church, the United Reformed Church practises infant baptism. It is the sacrament by which children are welcomed into the care and family of the Church, a sign of God's love in Christ. Because young children cannot make a commitment for themselves, parents, godparents (optional) and the church make these promises:

Parents' promises

Minister:

Do you believe and trust in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Maker of heaven and earth,
Redeemer of the world, Giver of life?

Parents:

I do

Minister:

Do you promise, trusting in God's grace,
that by prayer and example you will teach ………….
the faith of the gospel and bring him/her up in the worship
and life of the Church?

Parents:

I do

Godparents/Sponsors' promise

Minister:

Do you promise, trusting in God's grace,
to pray and care for ……………
and support his/her family as you are able?

Godparents:

I do

Congregation's promise

Minister:

Do you, as members of Christ's body and trusting in God's grace, promise to pray for ……………., provide for the teaching of the gospel, and live a Christian life in the family of God?

All:

We do

After the Baptism

Certificates and a candle are given as reminders of the event. The Church keeps in contact through its cradle roll and invite families to special services. Parents are expected to play their role in the Christian upbringing of their child.

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 will wish their child to be able to make their own decision whether to baptised when they can consider the Christian faith for themselves. Other parents will 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 below.

Parents' Promises

Minister:

A and B (parent's first names) do you thank God for the gift of his child?

Parents:

We do

Minister:

Do you promise, by God's grace, so to live that your child will be surrounded by love and goodness?

Parents:

We do

The blessing

Minister:

May the Lord give you grace faithfully to carry out the promises made this day ; may he grant you joy and patience, love and peace.

(The minister laying one hand upon the child's head and pronouncing his/her name, says:)

………the Lord bless you and keep you……

All:

Amen.

Both services of baptism and thanksgiving normally take place within the Church's main Sunday service (10.30 a.m.). For more information please speak to the minister:
Revd Terry Hinks, Abbey Manse, The Abbey, Romsey SO51 8EL (01794 512163)

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