Asking about baptism or christening?

Thinking about Baptism in one of our churches?

We’re very glad you have enquired about baptism, and we would love to welcome you and your child into our church family.

 

 

Why people want their child baptized…

 

* To give him his name properly

Children are properly named when their birth is registered

* To make sure she will go to heaven

God loves children, as he loves everyone, and does not judge them on whether they have been baptized or not.

* To thank God for his birth

A very good thing to do. There is a service specially for Thanksgiving for the birth of a child (which is not the same as Baptism). The Vicar will be glad to arrange one instead of, or as well as, a Baptism service

* To give her a good start in life

Yes. This needs to continue with a Christian up- bringing—otherwise it is a start of nothing, and the baptism has no meaning.

* So that he can grow up as a Christian

Great! And that needs more than baptism. If you are going to give him a Christian upbringing then now is the time for Baptism. But if you are not, it is better that he should be allowed to choose for himself about baptism later—he can be baptized at any age, and it will be full of meaning for him

 

So what is Baptism all about?

 

Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church.

The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way.

* There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us.
* Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism.

And as a sign of that new life, there may be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptized walks in that light for the rest of their lives

Help in giving your child a Christian upbringing

 

Bringing up your child in the Christian faith involves

* Reading him Bible stories and later teaching him to read the Bible for himself
* Praying with her and teaching her to pray
* Showing by your example what it means to live as a Christian
* Coming to church together

 

We know that can be difficult!

 

To help you, there is a variety of activities in the Benefice Churches.

* Toddler Church. Very small and informal, meets in St Mary's Church Tingewick.


* Festivals. The services we hold at Christmas, Easter, Mothering Sunday and Harvest are all planned with children in mind.


* There are also other special events throughout the year, and you can find details of these in ’The Link’ Benefice monthly newsletter.

You are welcome in any of our churches, no matter which village you live in.


 

 

 

 


 

 

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