Baptism

To ask for your child to be baptised is to say that you want him / her to grow up within the family of the Christian Church. Baptism is really the first stage of a process which leads to confirmation when the child of their own free will makes promises to God, declaring their faith in Jesus Christ in the presence of the congregation. While the child is young it is the parents and the congregation which make the vows and commit to encouraging the child to grow and develop in the Christian faith.

Vows Taken

Parents

"Do you believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and do you confess Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord?

 

Do you promise, depending on the grace of God, to teach this child the truths and duties of the Christian faith and by prayer and example to bring him / her up in the life and worship of the Church?"

Congregation

"This sacrament lays solemn obligations upon you the people of God. Will you be faithful to your calling as members of the Church of Christ, so that these children, and all the children in your midst, may grow up in the knowledge and love of Christ?"

As the vows suggest there are certain commitments in coming for Baptism and so there are certain requirements. The minister will be happy to discuss these with you 

Thanksgiving and Blessing of a Child

For those parents who feel unable to make the commitment that the vows of baptism require a blessing is offered as an alternative. As with baptism a blessing happens within the context of morning worship. The parents are asked the following:-

“In recognising the goodness of God in granting you the gift of this child that you bring before him here, do you earnestly desire that he / she be given Christ’s blessing in the manner He has appointed, and do you promise that you will be worthy and loving parents as long as they shall live?”

The child is then given a blessing by the minister followed by the congregation singing a blessing and prayers for the family are said.