Christening

Many people want to celebrate the arrival of a child in particular ways, and Christening is one way of doing that. We would love to celebrate with you.

Christening (or ‘Christian Initiation’ in formal language) is all about Christ-en-ing your child, which could be summed up as “involving Christ in the life of your child and your child in the life of Christ”. There are two particular services that we can use to do this, and the right one for you and your family depends upon what sort of faith-journey you intend to make as a family.

We don’t ask you to make a choice between Thanksgiving and Baptism, but to begin a journey with Thanksgiving as the first step, and Baptism as a second step whenever that becomes appropriate. Some families pause at the first step, others move quickly to the second; we want you to make that journey at the speed that is best for you. No-one is pushed into making the second step before they are ready. We arrange a couple of sessions between the two steps in order to clarify the promises and commitment involved in Baptism.

	Thanksgiving	Baptism
What this service does	You want to mark the arrival of your child, are grateful to God and want to seek his blessing	You have chosen the path for your child of following Jesus and want the support of the church family by getting involved
When it could take place	Can happen in a Sunday service, or arranged privately on any day at any time (many choose a Sunday afternoon slot)	Can only happen in the main Sunday morning full service at 11:00am (All Saints) or 9:30am (St Michael’s)
Sponsors	Supporting Friends are chosen by you to stand alongside you in the service - any number	Godparents – traditionally there are three, two of whom are the same sex as the child
Qualifications of sponsors	A simple desire to thank God and seek his blessing for the child, and a willingness to support you	They must have all been baptised and preferably confirmed, be ready to pray for your child and lead by example how to live the Christian faith
Order of Service	Friends and family can take an active part if you like, by saying something or reading, or doing the Bible reading, bringing a musical contribution, showing photographs - you can make it special and unique to your child and family	The baptism is part of the main Sunday service and so will include the theme of the day’s Bible reading, with its special message for you and your guests
Music	You may choose your or your child's favourite hymn/song/s	The hymns/songs are chosen by others to fit the theme of that day, but are usually easy to sing
Length of Service	20-30 minutes (depending on how much you want to include!)	We aim for 60 minutes
Child Friendly	It’s a service for the whole family	It’s a service for the whole family
Photos	Family and friends may take photos throughout, though it might be better to wait until the end	Photography is not permitted in the service but there is an opportunity to take photos after the baptism around the font
Symbols	Part of the Bible (a Gospel) is given, but water is not used	The sign of the cross is made, water is used, and a candle is given
Availability	A date can be arranged by talking with the Rector, to start this amazing journey	A couple of preparation evenings (at your home if convenient) are arranged before fixing the date of the baptism