Matt 3:16,17

Baptisms
St Mary’s Church has a great history of welcoming children and their families through baptism. Baptism not simply celebrating new life but it is an important time when parents and godparents proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ and promise to teach their children about Jesus through words and example and to bring them along to church.

Here are the promises parents and godparents make at baptism:
Parents and Godparents, today we are trusting God for this child’s 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?
P and G parents respond:With the help of God, we will
In baptism this child begins their journey in faith. Do 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?
P and G parents respond:With the help of God we will
In baptism God calls us out of darkness and into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and raising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask Parents and Godparents -
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
P and G parents  respond: I reject them
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
P and G parents  respond: I renounce them
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
P and G parents  respond: I repent of them
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
P and G parents  respond: I turn to Christ
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
P and G parents  respond: I submit to Christ
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
P and G parents  respond: I come to Christ

We encourage parents who feel uneasy about making such professions of faith before God and the church to have a Thanksgiving Service instead. These are great services where we give thanks for the child’s name, we name them and ‘sponsors’ promises to care for the child.

To help parents who live in the parish of St Mary’s to think through these issues every enquiry about baptism is firstly invited to attend an All Age Service on the first of the month. (If children are older than a baby, we will chat with the specific family about the options and maybe even chat with the child about baptism and what will happen.)
At the All Age Service their details are taken.
A home visit by Andrew or Jenny (one of the clergy) is arranged. At this the Christian faith is explained.
A baptism preparation night is then organised for the interested families. At this Baptism and Thanksgiving services are explained in greater detail.
Parents only then have the opportunity to book a date for their Baptism/Thanksgiving.
We then expect to see families regularly in church or at one of our children’s events.

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