Your Child’s Baptism
Congratulations on the birth of your child. We hope that the following will inform you about baptism and help you prepare for this sacrament.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28: 19-20
As Christ’s Church on earth, we continue to baptize into his fellowship those who come in faith.
Baptism is:
· A Sacrament of the Church – an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
· Membership of the body of Christ and the first step in the journey of faith.
· A turning away from the darkness of evil and sin and a commitment to walk in the light and obedience of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
· A public acknowledgement of God’s power to save and heal.
Baptism is not:
· A thing that everyone does.
Before your child’s baptism we would hope that you attend church services on a regular basis, and that you, and those you have chosen to be Godparents, have attended a baptism service at St. John’s.
If you feel that baptism may not be the right thing for your child at this time, a service of thanksgiving might be more appropriate. This is a way of saying thank you to God and having your child blessed without the Christian commitment involved in baptism. This does not mean that your child cannot be baptized at a later date.
Please note that unless there are exceptional circumstances, baptisms always take place within the 10.00am Sunday Eucharist and need to be arranged approximately 3 months in advance. During certain times of the year this may be longer.
There is no charge for the baptism service, it is a gift to your child.
We realise that it isn’t always easy to come to church with young children. We are used to having young children with us and prefer sounds of play and laughter to those of frustration and boredom!
Growing Disciples
Children 3+ meet in church and then go to their groups on most Sundays (if they want to), please ask the welcomers at the door for details.
Baby changing facilities are available in the Tamberlin room, please ask for directions.
For further information please contact our Baptism Co-ordinator Julie Murphy on 07977 565513
We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our Christian family.