Baptism (Christening) — What Is It?

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Baptism and Christening mean the same thing. It’s a special welcome into God’s family and the start of a lifelong journey of faith.

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When someone is baptized, we celebrate God’s love and make promises to help each other grow in faith. For babies and children, parents and godparents make these promises on their behalf. For adults, they make their own promises.

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Baptism is a joyful occasion where friends, family, and the church community come together to support and pray for the person being baptized.

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Baptising Babies and Children

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We’re so happy you’re thinking about baptism for your child! Baptism is a way to say thank you to God for your child and to show that they are loved by God.

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At the service, parents and godparents promise to help your child know God’s love and grow in faith. If you feel these promises aren’t quite right for you at the moment, we also offer a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate your child and ask for God’s blessing.

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Choosing godparents is important — they should be baptized themselves and ready to support your child’s faith journey. They can be family or close friends you trust.

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Adult Baptism

 

Adults who want to be baptized make their own promises and usually have a sponsor instead of godparents. We offer preparation sessions to explore what baptism means and to get ready for this special step.

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How to Prepare

Baptism is important, so we like to meet beforehand. For babies and children, parents and godparents are invited to two relaxed preparation sessions to learn more about baptism and the church.

For adults, we offer four sessions to explore faith and baptism in more depth.

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Not Ready for Baptism? Try a Thanksgiving Service

If baptism doesn’t feel right yet, you can have a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate your child and ask for God’s blessing without making promises or using water. Baptism can happen later if you wish.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact Penny in the church office to arrange attending a Baptism Preparation Session.

These take place on the first Sunday of every month at 3pm at the YMCA Willow Trees Community Centre.

We’re excited to journey with you!