BAPTISMS
Is a ‘baptism’ different to a ‘christening’?
There is no difference between a christening service and a baptism service. Some churches will use the word ‘baptism’ and some the word ‘christening’.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is all about new beginnings – for a child, the beginning of life; for an adult, the beginning of a new life of faith in Jesus Christ. For children and adults alike, it marks the start of the journey of faith and is the service in which we welcome people into the Church. In Baptism we are thanking God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledging our faith in God.
What happens at Baptism?
Baptism is a Sacrament – a visible sign of God’s love. This inward gift is made visible through the words and symbols that are used during the service:
The sign of the cross will be made on the baptised person’s forehead. It is the badge of faith and a sign that the person is united with Christ.
Water is a sign of being washed from sin and beginning a new life with Christ. Those being baptised have water poured over them three times ‘in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’: the three ways in which Christians have experienced God.
A candle is given to the newly baptised. Jesus is regarded as the light of the world and the baptism candle which everyone receives is a reminder of this light which they now share.
Baptisms usually take place during a morning church service. Families are welcome to bring guests to the service; it is often possible to offer refreshments after the service.
Baptism is a service in which promises are made and people are welcomed into the church family.
If you do not live in the parish, we will ask you to contact your local parish church before the Baptism, even if you decide to attend services in Shoreham.
The Vicar is always delighted to have an informal conversation with families about Baptism.
Please email Revd Dr Diane Rees revdrdi@outlook.com. 01959522363
Her usual parish days are Friday to Monday