We are always delighted to welcome people considering a baptism (also known as a christening) for themselves or their child. It is a joy to welcome new people into God’s family and support them as they choose to follow Jesus.
Baptism services can be held in the main 10am Sunday service or at a separate service at 12 noon or 1pm on selected Sundays throughout the year. We try to ensure that all baptism services are happy occasions for you, your family and your friends.
Arranging a Baptism
The first thing to do is to collect a Baptism Pack from the Church. Ideally, you can do this when you come to a church service, but if that is difficult, you can collect one from our Stay and Play group or the church office when it is open. This pack contains all sorts of useful information so do explore what is inside. Once you have done this, please complete the Application Form – making sure to read the notes on the back – and return this to church. At that point we will be able to confirm the date and time of your baptism service.
Preparing for a Baptism
Prior to the Baptism taking place, you will be asked to attend this Church on a minimum of three occasions. These can be any of our church services, including our midweek service, C.A.K.E. or special seasonal services at Christmas and Easter. We also count visits to our Stay and Play group. You will be given an attendance card in you Baptism Pack – please ask one of the service/group leaders to sign it to record your attendance.
The Baptism cannot take place without this attendance. Being baptized is about joining God’s family of the church, so it is really important that you come along and meet your local branch!
Choosing Godparents
If a child is being baptised, they will need godparents. It is traditional to have three godparents – two the same gender as the child being baptized, and one of the opposite gender. However, many people choose to have different combinations and numbers of godparents. The only hard and fast rule is that each child MUST have at least 2 godparents who have been baptised themselves. If this is a problem, please speak to the vicar.
Friends who have not been baptized, or perhaps are of a different religion, but who are important to you and your child can act as supporting friends within the service.
An adult being baptised does not need godparents, but they can choose a “sponsor” to support them on the day.
Meeting the Vicar
Before the baptism, the member of the clergy who will be conducting your service will get in touch to arrange a time to visit you and talk about the baptism. It is often easier and more relaxing to have this meeting over a cuppa at your home, but if that isn’t convenient you can meet at church.
After the Baptism
We invite you to return to a 10am Sunday service in the weeks after your Baptism Service. This gives the congregation the opportunity to officially welcome you or your child into the Church family and to present their Baptism Certificate.
There is more information in the Baptism Pack, but if you have any questions, please contact us.