We are able to offer, to those who live in the parish or worship regularly at Christ Church, two services that you may like to choose for you and your child. We also offer adult baptisms or renewal of Baptism.
Thanksgiving for the gift of a child
A thanksgiving is a short service in which we thank God for the child and pray God’s blessing on them. Parents sometimes choose this service when they want to leave baptism until the child can choose it for him/herself, but would still like to give thanks for their child; or when they don’t feel comfortable making the promises and declarations in the baptism service, but recognise that something has happened for which they wish to give thanks to God.
Baptism of a child
In a baptism service, the child is baptised on the understanding that they will be brought up within the Christian faith and that their faith will be nurtured in the home and within a local church congregation. In the service, parents and godparents make declarations and promises about their own faith and about their intention to nurture their child’s faith.
There are a number of simple ways in which parents can begin to nurture their child’s faith. It’s important to start belonging to a local church with groups for children. Parents can start reading Bible stories from a children’s Bible and praying simple prayers with their child, perhaps at bedtime. Parents can also encourage their children by showing them what it means to live as a Christian by their own example.
It’s an exciting new beginning for you and your child and we are here to encourage and support you.
If you are wanting to explore baptism for your child and have not yet been to Christ Church, we would love to welcome you to our 10am Sunday service and midweek groups for families and young children. Here you will be able to get to know and join us as a church family and grow deeper in your own faith and trust in God. Please be sure to introduce yourselves to the welcome team so that we know to look out for you and can help you connect with others.
Baptisms take place once a month during our 10am service following a short baptism preparation course led by a member of the staff team. The preparation course will help you explore the meaning of baptism, and understand the promises that you will be making during the service.
If you would like to chat further about which service would be better for you and your child, please contact the Parish Office on 01483 567072 and one of the staff team will be in touch with you shortly.
Adult Baptism
We also offer baptism for those who have not previously been baptised, but would like to affirm their commitment to Christ as an adult, as well as reaffirmation of vows with immersion for those who have previously been baptised. Please contact the Parish Office to find out more details.
For more information: https://churchofenglandchristenings.org/
Frequently Asked Questions