If you are interested in being baptised, or exploring baptism for someone in your family, the first thing to do is come along to a Sunday service and speak to the minister. You can find out where we are this month – here!

Jesus said, ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’ (Matt 28:19)

Baptism, Christening, Thanksgiving?

If you are considering baptism, congratulations!

Baptism is a symbol of two things. Firstly it is a symbol of someone entering into the new life that is promised when we become friends with God. It is a public sign that you have decided to follow Jesus and live as a Christian. Secondly, it is a sign of entering into God’s family, the community of faith we call the church.

Because of this, baptism includes vows and promises made by the one being baptised, or by parents and godparents on behalf of someone too young to make their own promises. The church community also make promises to support and welcome a new member of the church.

Therefore, those being baptised can be known by and involved in the church community.

A ‘Christening‘ is the same as a ‘baptism’, just a different name.

Many people associate the idea of ‘Christening’ or ‘Baptism’ with something like a ‘naming ceremony’ – a way to celebrate the gift of a child, to give thanks for them and to ask for blessing upon them and the family. If that’s what you hope for, then we recommend a Thanksgiving Celebration.

A Thanksgiving looks very similar to a baptism ceremony. In a Thanksgiving, we celebrate the gift of children, pray for them and ask God’s blessing upon them. The family and Supporting Friends do not make vows, but can make commitments to love, care and nurture them through life. The child is not baptised in water but can be anointed with oil and they can also be baptised later in life if they wish.

If you’d like to find out more, come along to one of our Sunday worship services and talk to one of the ministers over a cup of tea.