What is baptism? The symbols of baptism Who can be baptized? When do baptisms take place? What do Godparents do? How do we find out more or arrange Baptism? Emergency Baptism

What is baptism?
Baptism (traditionally known as Christening) is the fundamental act of Christian initiation and is a sacrament or sign of the link between what is divine and what is human. Christ issued a command to his disciples to:

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.

At baptism you are welcomed as part of the family of the Church, which is why it usually takes place during the main Sunday Service. You are joining not just the local church family or the Church of England, but the whole Christian Church across the globe and eternal down the ages.

The baptism service has four sections:

Preparation - a greeting and explanation of baptism

The Liturgy of the Word - some appropriate readings from the Bible

The Liturgy of Baptism - this includes the answering of questions and making of promises by the candidate (if adult) or the parents and godparents (if present) and the congregation. The questions are key to the Baptism ceremony and come in two parts, the turning away from all that is negative:

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.

and the positive turning towards Christ:

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.

The priest will call the child or candidate by name and then use the words based on Holy Scripture:
'I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'

Commission - this sums up what has taken place and the candidate is welcomed into the Church family. After the baptism a gift of a Bible is made to the candidate so they can take away the Word of the Lord.

The Symbols of Baptism
A candle is used at the baptism to symbolise the light and peace of Christ and to remind the baptized that they must 'walk in the light'.

Water is used to symbolise spiritual cleansing and the washing away of sin. The washing is a symbol that you have died to your old life and been 'born again' in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The sign of the Cross is made on the forehead of the child or candidate and is the symbol of Christ crucified for our sins.

Who can be baptised?
Anyone who lives within the parish can be baptised at Christ Church, providing you have not been baptised before. As long as you understand the meaning of baptism for yourself or your child and you are willing to make the promises in the Baptism Service, you are welcome.
If you find it difficult to make the promises required in a Baptism Service, or are reluctant to pursue Baptism for some other reason, it is possible to have a service of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child - please Contact Us. for more details.

When do baptisms take place?
Baptisms for children and adults are normally held during the 10.30 am main Sunday Service. If you have a real pastoral reason for wanting a service at a different time, please Contact Us .

What do Godparents do?
You do not have to have Godparents but it is desirable to have at least one person who can support and help you through the Christian journey. Godparents have to answer the questions and make the promises above. The church will also put you in touch with a family from the church so you have some local links with a Christian family.

How do we find out more or arrange Baptism?
Please Contact us for more details. Normally you will meet together with a Christian family to discuss the meaning of Baptism and whether it is right for you, following which the service will be arranged.

Emergency Baptism
If you are in need of immediate help, for example if a baby is ill, please contact us, Bryony the Vicar, on 873160 and an emergency baptism can be arranged. It is important to realise that this is not a 'passport to heaven' and God loves all children, baptised or not, and a loving God does not reject the unbaptised. You can also contact the hospital chaplain - any of the hospital staff will be able to give you details.