We believe that every child is a gift from God
Congratulations on the arrival of your child! You may be interested in your child's spiritual, as well physical and emotional development. Some parents choose to mark the beginning of their child's spiritual journey with a Christian service of Blessing or even Baptism. The main difference between the two services is in the vows and promises which are made. You may even choose to have a service of Blessing first with a Baptism at a later date (It is worth remembering that people may be baptised at any age). Whatever you decide, we hope that this chart will help you when considering your options.
For more information, we invite you to come along to the Five O'clock Service which runs every Sunday. This is a great way to meet some people from the church and see something that happens for families. The Revd Wendy Thomson will be happy to meet with you afterwards, give you a leaflet and let you know about the next preparation session.
May God bless you.
| Service of Thanksgiving & Blessing | Service of Baptism | |
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Purpose
Background |
To celebrate, give thanks for the birth of your child, and to ask for God's blessing on his/her life.
"Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them and blessed them" - Mark 10.16 |
To declare publicly your own faith in Jesus as Jesus said: "Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptise them... and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. - Matthew 28.19,20 |
| Booking a date | Bookings are usually made for after the Sunday morning service (11:45 am) the 2nd, 4th or 5th Sunday of the month. Alternatively, bookings can be made for during the Five O'clock Service. | Baptism services are by their very nature public celebrations as your child is joining the Church community. Services of Baptism are held at either the Five O'clock service or the 10:30 am service (2nd, 4th or 5th Sunday). |
| Choosing Mentors | Godparents (or Sponsors) are chosen who might later act as mentors for the child. because of their care for your child. | Godparents are chosen who are themselves believing, baptised Christians. They are chosen to act as mentors and Christian examples because they care for your child. |
| Your Vows & Responsibilities | Parents and Godparents (or Sponsors) promise to do all that they can to help and support your child as they grow up | Parents and Godparents promise to pray for your child, speak to them about God and, bring them to church so that they can take their place within the regular life and worship of the church. You also make vows declaring your own commitment to follow Jesus as Lord of your life. |
| Our vows & Responsibilities | .We are always here for you. You and your child are always welcome in the church especially as your child grows up and may be interested in learning more about Jesus, getting more involved, planning a wedding or in need of pastoral care. |
As a congregation, we promise to support you in the care and spiritual education of your child as he/she grows to learn more about Jesus. In order to do this effectively, we provide lively children's programmes and look forward getting to know you better through regular contact with you and your child. |
| Symbols | Oil is used as a symbol of blessing with the sign of the cross. We pray that God's Holy Spirit will pour out his blessing on your child. | Water is used to symbolise both washing from sin and spiritual birth into the Christian life. We pray that both will happen in the life of your child as they grow to understand the Christian faith |