Five Steps:
If you live in the parish and you are considering Baptism for your child at St Peter's you need to be aware of the five steps.
1st - You will be asked to visit the Vicar and speak to him so
that he can get to know you and discuss the plans.
2nd - We invite you to have a "Thanksgiving" for your child.
Thanksgivings take place at the 10am Morning Service by arrangement with the
Vicar and during it we thank God for the gift of the child.
3rd - After the 'Thanksgiving' we arrange for the Baptism
Preparation evenings when we explain all about the Baptism Service and what
it means.
4th - The Baptism usually takes place on the last Sunday of the
month at a special service at 11.45am. We do this for your convenience and
ours. However, we can't finish the Baptism because the regular congregation
aren't present, so the following week we have the 5th step.
5th - In our 10am service we have the "Welcome" when you return with your child so that the congregation can welcome him/her into the family of the church. It is at this service that you receive the Baptism Certificate which you should keep in a safe place.
Even that's not the end, because being baptised is just the beginning of a life of being a disciple of Jesus.
Reasons why some people bring their children for Baptism.
There are many reasons why parents want their children baptised and one or more of these may be in your mind.
Let's take a pretend example of Betty who wants her son, John, Baptised.
To give him his name properly.
- But people are properly named when their birth is registered.
To make sure he keeps well.
- But Baptism is not an insurance policy. Indeed God is displeased if Parents and God-parents make the Baptism Service promises dishonestly.
Because Betty's mother is nagging her to have him done.
- But John's parents must give him his Christian upbringing. It is their faith which will count, so they must decide - whatever other people think.
To make sure he will go to heaven if he dies young.
- God does not judge children differently just because one has been through the Service of Baptism and another has not.
So that he can be married in Church.
- Nowadays no one has to have been Baptised to be married in Church - though at least one of the couple ought to be a Christian believer.
To give him a good start in life.
- Yes, but this must continue with a Christian upbringing otherwise it is the start of nothing and the Baptism is pointless.
What is Baptism?
In the early days of the Christian Church, when people became Christians and became members of the Church, they were Baptised. They wanted to make a complete break with the past and their previous way of living and live a new way. Baptism meant two things. It was like death by drowning! Death, that is, to everything sinful and selfish in their lives. It was also like being made clean. It was a sign that the Spirit of God had come into their life, to bring forgiveness and new life. It soon became normal for Christian parents to want their children Baptised.
At "Infant Baptism" the responsibility is put on the parents and God-parents who have to make certain statements and make certain promises. Those who bring children for Baptism are required to say that they turn away from everything that is wrong and that they believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. They promise to bring their children up to
follow Christ and be members of the Church, bringing them to be prepared for"Confirmation" when they will be able to take on these responsibilities for themselves.
Some parents, even regular members of the congregation, decide to bring their child for the "Thanksgiving" but not for Baptism.
If you have not been Baptised then we can make sure that you have the opportunity to attend a group to learn all about the basics of the Christian Faith in preparation for Baptism.
Please be assured that we would be pleased to help you and talk with you "without obligation", as they say!
Further questions?
Contact the Vicar. He'll be pleased to explain or help as necessary