Godparents website (external) - lots of information about Baptism
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The symbols used in Baptism
Text of the Baptism Service
Baptism is a service of welcome into the Christian family. If you are thinking about baptism (sometimes called christening) for your child, I will be glad to help you. The information on this page should help to answer some of the questions you might have. WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED AT CHRIST CHURCH?BAPTISM AT CHRIST CHURCH
Being a part of the church community is one way of encouraging children to grow in this way, and baptism involves a commitment to "help them take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church."
If you aren't already a regular churchgoer, it would make sense for you to come to church at least two or three times before your child is baptised if it is at all possible, to get to know us and let us get to know you.
We welcome children at all our services. There is a special place at the back of the church where they can look at books, or play quietly during services if they get restless.There are toilets in the community centre, and quiet space in the vestry (office) which you can use if you are breastfeeding.
If you don't live in our parish your child can only be baptized here with the permission of your own parish priest. If you aren't sure where the parish boundaries lie, we will be happy to advise you. I encourage people to be baptized in their own parish church. This helps them to build a relationship with other members of that church who live locally, and to be aware of groups and activities which that church organises to help and support them as they bring up their children.
LONE PARENTS AND UNMARRIED COUPLES
Baptism expresses God's love for your child and his unconditional welcome for him or her. We aim to be just as welcoming - whatever form your family takes. Your marital status does hot have any bearing on whether or not your child can be baptized.
If anything about your family circumstances worries you we will, of course, be happy to listen and try to help.
TIMES AND DATES
We normally hold baptisms during our main Sunday morning Communion service at 09.30am. We usually try to limit these services to one per month and try for the 3rd Sunday. There may be several children baptized at the service.
GODPARENTS
It is recommended that your child should have at least three godparents. Traditionally there would be two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex. However, you don't have to stick to this pattern and can have more than three godparents if you like. To have more than six would be unusual.
Godparents should be adults, or at least older teenagers. A useful rule of thumb is that they need to be old enough to be responsible parents if they are to be responsible godparents. Sometimes I have requests for older brothers or sisters to be godparents, but unless they are adults this is usually not appropriate and I would rather involve them in the service in other ways - for example, holding the candle.
Godparents should be baptized themselves, and preferably confirmed, but provided they have considered the promises they are to make carefully, and are happy to make them , I can waive these requirements. Baptism is a good opportunity for both parents and Godparents to think about their own faith and commitment, since both will be making wide-ranging and serious promises during the service.
BOOKING
To book or make enquiries about Baptism at Christ Church, please phone or email me , Revd Andy Davis- 023 9258 0173. I will arrange to fill in the paperwork with you and to visit you at home to talk about the service.
Baptism is a very ancient service full of symbols . It is the way in which people join the church, and it means making promises, setting priorities, and being prepared to let God change you. At its heart, it tells us about three things - Being, Belonging and Believing.
How much do you know about the beliefs that are important for Christians?
What do you think and feel about...
We will talk more about Christian belief when I visit before the Baptism, but please feel free to email or phone me with any questions you may have.
BEING
There is a passage in the Bible in which God speaks to his people, who are going through difficult times. "Do not be afraid. I have called you by name. You are mine." Although the words are 2500 years old, Christians believe that they still have something to say to us. They tell us that every person is unique and special, known and loved by God.
BELONGING
Being a Christian means belonging to the family of the church.
Think about the groups you belong to - your family, your workplace, and your community.
BELIEVING
During the service, you will be making promises both for yourself and for your child.
REMEMBER - THIS ISN'T A TEST - JUST SOME QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU KNOW WHAT YOU THINK AND FEEL ABOUT CHRISTIAN FAITH
God the Father ?
Christians believe that God made us and cares about us just as a loving parent would. How do you feel about your children? That's how God feels about you.
God the Son - Christians believe that Jesus is God, revealing himself in flesh and blood, like us, so that we can know how much God loves us. If you want to know more about Jesus' life, try reading the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament of the Bible. It's not very long, and it gives a vivid picture of Jesus.
God the Holy Spirit - Christians believe that God is with us here and now, involved in our lives every day. Have you ever felt that God was especially close to you? Where and how did this happen? What effect did it have on you?
