Recent baptism of Samuel Weldon
In this section we explain our baptism policy – how and when it is done. But we also include a few words about a thanksgiving service. Many couples now feel that they are unable at present to make the vows that form part of the baptism service, but still want to mark the birth of their child in some way - to thank God for the new life, and ask His protection upon the child. Others feel more comfortable with adult baptism. For these we offer a thanksgiving service, which is explained below.
The birth of a child is always a wonderful event, and it makes us aware of the huge responsibilities we face as parents. We want to ensure that the child is brought up in the best possible way, and has the best chances in life. As part of this baptism can be an extremely important event.
THE MEANING OF BAPTISM
First a word about what baptism is not:
- It is not some magical practice whereby the child is instantly transformed into a model of placidness and obedience - sadly!
- It is not simply a social event, an opportunity for getting the family together to celebrate the birth of the child, although it does have that side.
- It is not a means of ensuring that the child is brought up in a Christian way, although both parents and godparents make promises to that effect during the service. A child can be taught the Christian faith, and grow to know the Bible whether he / she is baptised or not.
- It is not a means of making the child a Christian. Many people who have been baptised would not admit to being Christians, and similarly many who are not baptised would claim they are Christians.
What baptism is:
- It is, as the Church of England describes it, "An outward and visible sign of an inward work of grace." In other words it is a symbol, pointing to what God does in the heart of a person. But it is a symbol, not the reality itself. Baptism symbolises the inner washing (forgiveness) and new life that Christ offers to all of us.
- It is a service during which parents and godparents make certain very specific and significant declarations about their own faith and belief. These are declarations that many might feel unable to make honestly.
- It is an opportunity for the church congregation to give thanks for the life of the child and welcome the child publicly into the family of the church. It is not just a family occasion since the promises and statements involve the church community as a whole.
BAPTISM PRACTICE
For these reasons we make certain stipulations regarding baptism in our churches.
- Baptisms take place within the main Sunday morning service, either the Family Service, which takes place on the 3rd Sunday in the month (11 am in Moreton, 10 am in Longborough), or at the Morning Service (1st & 4th Sundays also at 11 in Moreton, 1st Sunday at 10 in Longborough). This makes it much easier for the whole family to be part of the service, and other children to join in. But it also means that the whole church can be involved in the service and welcome.
- Couples should attend at least two main morning services before their child is baptised, so that they can get the feel of the service, and learn a little about what church it is their child is being baptised into.
- Couples are prepared to see the rector on three occasions before the service, to go through the content and meaning of the service. Since it is such an important occasion it is vital to have a clear understanding of what is actually taking place.
GODPARENTS
It is customary to have three godparents - two of the same sex as the baby and one of the opposite. It is not obligatory - you can have less, or even more - but it gives a fair idea of what is usual. Since the godparents also have to make very clear and direct promises, it is important that they know what these are and are comfortable making them. Please ensure that they are well briefed and are happy to abide by this.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Should you feel that you are not able to make the promises in the service, but would still like to mark the birth of the child in some way, we also offer a service of thanksgiving. This gives us the opportunity of giving thanks to God for the baby, and asking God's blessing on him / her. This can be arranged outside the main services, to fit in with your wishes. It will consist of some prayers, including prayers of blessing and a short Bible passage and explanation.
FOLLOW-ON
The child's experience of church should not end at the baptism or thanksgiving. Indeed the promises made by parents and godparents, at least in the baptism service, state that they will seek to bring the child up in the Christian faith. As a result there are a number of activities associated with the church that will be of interest, both to the youngsters and their parents.
1. Sunday Club. Every Sunday, at the 11 am service in Moreton there is a Sunday Club for children of 0-14. This consists of Mini-Scramblers (0-3), Scramblers (3-5), Climbers (5-7), Explorers (7-11), and Pathfinders (11-14). For these groups the children leave the church about 10 minutes into the service. For the Family Service all the groups bar the Mini-Scramblers join everyone else in church for the whole service. At Longborough Sunday Club takes place on the 1st Sunday only.
2. Big Fish. For older children and teenagers, this group aims to provide both friendship, fun and Christian teaching. It meets on Friday evenings in the Church Centre. This ensures that youngsters are not forgotten when they leave Sunday Club, and are helped through their teenage years, often a difficult time for both parents and children.
3. Mothers and Others. This is a group of younger women, most but not all mothers, who meet once a week on a Monday morning at the Rectory for fellowship and Bible discussion. If you would like further details ring Gillian Wookey on 652680.
4. Mums and Tots. This is a new group meeting in Moreton at St. David's Centre on a Friday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 for mums with pre-school children - all are welcome!
5. Christianity Explored. This is an introductory course to the Christian faith, run by St. David's with meal, talk and discussion. It is friendly, unthreatening and easy to understand. So far over 200 people have been through the course and we will be running another one soon. If you want details of our next course ring Stephen Wookey.
Details of all these groups can be found elsewhere on the website.
