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This is the Baptism Service we use at Christ Church. It is set into the service of Holy Communion. Most of the text reproduced here comes from the Church of England's "Common Worship. and is copyright.Common Worship ;Initiation Services, copyright©The Archbishops’ Council 2000
THE BAPTISM SERVICE
photographs can be taken during the baptism part of the service. Please do not use cameras during other parts of the service. Please join in with the words in bold type.
After the Sermon the priest will invite the family to gather round the font for the beginning of the baptismal service.
THE PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES
The priest asks the whole congregation;
Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these children/candidates and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
The priest asks the parents and godparents;
Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
With the help of God, we will.
The Easter candle, a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ, is lit. The priest asks the questions on the next page which the parents and godparents answer.
DECISION
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.
SIGNING WITH THE CROSS
The priest makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate with oil, an ancient preparation for washing and a sign of welcome.
Christ claims you for his own.
Receive the sign of his cross.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ
against sin, the world and the devil,and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness,
restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE WATER
Praise God who made heaven and earth,
who keeps his promise for ever.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
The President gives thanks for the gift of water, which cleanses and gives life, and asks God to bless this water which is to be used for baptism.
At the end of the prayer all respond…
Amen.
PROFESSION OF FAITH
Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess together with these candidates the faith of the Church.
Do you believe and trust
in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand
of the Father
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
BAPTISM
The priest asks for the name of the candidate to be baptised.
N, I baptize you
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church,
pour upon you the riches of his grace,
that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen.
A shell is used for pouring the water because it is the symbol of pilgrimage.
Baptism is a new step on a journey with God.
WELCOME
The service continues with THE PEACE.
We then bless and share the bread and wine – please come to the altar for a blessing if you don’t normally take bread and wine. Everyone is welcome.After all have come to the altar we finish the service by giving each of the newly baptized a lighted candle using the words below.
GIVING OF A LIGHTED CANDLE
The president gives each of the newly baptized a lighted candle, lit from the Easter candle. This is a reminder that the light of Christ shines within them.
God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light.
You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
DISMISSAL
Go in the light and peace of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
After the service has ended you are welcome to take photographs.
Baptism is only the start of the journey. To find out more about Christian faith there are activities both for children and adults at this church..You are always welcome. For more information ask the priest or pick up one of the leaflets you will find in the study area at the side of the church.
Common Worship ;Initiation Services, material from which is included in this service is copyright©The Archbishops’ Council 2000
