Baptism

When someone is baptised, that person is brought to Jesus Christ, and
made a member of Christ's Church. It is a new start to life in which the
baptised person is accepted and sealed by God with the Holy Spirit to
represent Christ to the world.

As part of the baptism service, we declare our faith and intention to
serve Christ, and ask for God's continuing grace to support us in the
task, to which we are called.

When a baptism is of a baby or a child, the baptised receives the love
and shared faith of the family to grow up into Christ.

Through prayer and fellowship within the body of Christ, God
strengthens and nourishes us.

Jesus Christ came that we might have life, and have it in
all its fullness


Thanksgiving for the gift of a child
This service provides an opportunity for parents and families to give
thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to offer prayer for family
life.

It can take place in the church or at home or any other suitable setting.

This service has no connection with Baptism, which is the sacrament of
initiation into the Church, the body of Christ, but it is sometimes felt to
be more appropriate by some parents for their children.

Confirmation & Renewal of Baptismal Vows
This is an opportunity for someone to make for themselves the promises
made at Baptism and is usually an adult commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - How do I arrange a baptism for my child?
A - Contact one of the clergy who will be able to meet with you to
discuss what Baptism entails and the practical arrangements

Q - Where can we hold the baptism?
A - Baptism usually takes place in your local parish church during the
main Sunday service. If you have a particular link with a church other
than the one where you live, it may be possible to arrange a baptism at
that church: talk to the clergy.

Q - How can I find out more about baptism and the Christian faith?
A - In our churches the clergy are happy to talk to people one-to-one
and we often have small discussion groups you can join in with. Also
you can come along to church - don't be afraid to come along with a
baby or a child: we welcome children in all our churches.

Q - I was baptised as a baby but would like to be baptised again - is this
possible?
In the Church of England we see Baptism as a once and for always
service marking God's commitment to us. However, you may wish to
consider confirmation which is an opportunity for us to express our
commitment to God. Renewal of Baptismal Vows is another possibility.
Please contact one of the clergy to discuss these options.

Q - How much does baptism cost?
There's not usually a charge for the service but as at any of our
services we welcome donations and these donations enable the church
to continue to serve the community.

Q - Can we take photos or videos through the service?
Talk to the clergy but in most of our churches we like to avoid too much
distraction during the service but are very happy to pose for photos
afterwards.

Q - When can the baptism take place?
Most of our churches have baptisms on a particular Sunday in the
month so you'll need to talk to the clergy in order to book a date. In most
churches they take place during the main Sunday morning service but
check the individual churches for more details