CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

Children are a gift from God. Naturally, many parents want to celebrate their arrival with some form of service in church.  St Peter’s is part of the Church of England which, like many churches, recognises two main services to celebrate the birth of a child:-

a) Thanksgiving b) Baptism (sometimes called 'Christening') Both take place during our Sunday services.

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is a service for those who wish, quite simply, to say ‘thank you’ to God for their child. Prayers are said, the child is named and blessed and a gospel is given which tells the story of Jesus. Normally at St Peter’s every child has a thanksgiving service before considering baptism.

BAPTISM Baptism is for those who want to state their desire to bring up their child as a Christian. It therefore involves words of commitment to Jesus Christ and to church. As well as the words of commitment, the child is named, water is poured over the child, and prayers are said.

Baptism is the mark of being part of the Christian Church. Families bringing their child for baptism hope that one day their child will be confirmed and make this commitment to Jesus and to church for themselves.

You will need to think very carefully about this service as you will be asked to make a clear and personal confession of the Christian faith.

SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is the role of a godparent ? Godparents are those who agree to be especially concerned for their godchild’s development, particularly their spiritual growth. Ideally, they will be committed to pray for them. You need at least one male and one female Godparent. They need to be baptised and worshipping members of a church. Why not visit www.egodparent.com

Once my child has been baptised, have I completed my Christian duty ?

No, it’s only just begun ! At baptism, parents and godparents commit themselves to help the child grow up as a Christian, believing and trusting in God. Parents in particular need to encourage their child to worship regularly, read the Bible and pray. These will be crucial if your child is to continue in the Christian faith.

Is my child ‘worse off’ if I choose Thanksgiving ?

God loves everyone, whether your child has had a Service of Baptism, Thanksgiving or nothing at all. (A few churches require baptism before they will allow you to be married in church. This is not a legal requirement and baptism is not needed to be married at St Peter’s).

What if I want ‘baptism’ but don’t feel I can make a clear commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church ?

It is important that at least one parent is able to say the baptismal promises with integrity. If neither of you think you can do that, then it is best to have a thanksgiving service, or to wait.

Waiting can be a good option. There is no hurry to have your baby ‘done’! You may want to think more about the implications of Christian faith for you and your family. If so, why not find out more?

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Contact the Parish Office between 9am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday to arrange to talk to someone about the next step for you.

If you have not been to a service at St Peter’s before, come along to our family service, which starts at 9.30am each Sunday. There is a crèche every Sunday and groups for children between 3-11 years. The service lasts an hour and would be an ideal opportunity to get a feel for what you are undertaking, especially if you are planning on a Service of Baptism. If you decide to go ahead with baptism, you will need to come to our Parents Preparation Group which meets on three consecutive Sundays during the 9.30am service.

Adult baptism by full immersion during our 6.30pm service