Baptism (Christening) At St. Mary's

At St. Mary’s we give a warm welcome to couples who bring children for baptism.

Baptism involves:

	Thanking God for His gift of life.
	Beginning your child on a journey of faith.
	Expressing your belief in God and joining the church in praying for your child.
	Sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus in a symbolic way.

Felicity Meyer holding her newborn baby Matilda. Soon Karl and Felicity will bring Matilda to St. Mary’s for baptism.

At St. Mary’s, our welcome begins from our first contact with you. It is likely that a member of the clergy team will pop round to see you to explain the process

Thanksgiving and Naming Service

Every couple is first offered a Thanksgiving and Naming Service for their child. This takes place in the afternoon of the second Sunday of the month at 2.30pm. This service includes hymns and and an opportunity to name your child. Couples come to the service, special prayers are said and then a copy of Mark’s Gospel is given to remember the occasion. Please invite your family and friends to this occasion.

After the Thanksgiving and Naming Service if the couple wish to proceed to baptism then the clergy visit again to explain the importance of baptism and how we, as a Church, will welcome you into the world wide Christian faith.

Baptisms happen on the third Sunday of the month (and every Sunday in August) during the Church Family Service. It can be a wonderful family time. If more than thirty friends and family come along then we need to know. We get very full at St. Mary’s!

At the end of the service your child’s name will be entered in the church records. (Which stretch back to 16^th century!) and we will give your child a certificate.

We try to make your child’s baptism very special and hope this may be a positive step forward in faith for all involved.

Three quick questions/ answers

Q. What is the difference between christening and baptism?

A. There is no difference although the word baptism is only used in church.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The service is free.

Q. How many godparents does my child need?

A. All godparents have to have been baptised. Traditionally it is two female one male godparents for a girl and two male one female for a boy. What is more important than number, however, is that those folk chosen are happy to say the baptism promises and will take the spiritual development of your child seriously. This means regularly praying for your child.

The Baptismal Promises:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God

I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?

I renounce them.

Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?

I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour

I turn to Christ

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?

I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?

I come to Christ.

Comparing Thanksgiving & Naming and Baptism Services

	Thanking God for the birth of your child	Joining the Church family	Able to choose a hymn	Permission to video the service	Sunday afternoon available	Certificate issued	Candle & copy of Mark's Gospel given	No limit to numbers attending	Godparents or Supporters?	Cost involved?
Thanksgiving and Naming Service	yes	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	S	no
Baptism Service	yes	yes	no	no	no	yes	no	no max 30	G	no

So if you would like your baby baptised do ring the Revd. Napo John (01394 284803)