Baptisms

What is baptism? Baptism is the sign of entry into the Christian church.

The church is happy to baptise a child of believing parents, on the understanding that parents and godparents will bring the child up with a knowledge of what the Christian faith stands for, so that when the child is older, he or she can make a decision for Jesus Christ for themselves. (This is often marked at a Confirmation Service.)

What happens in the Baptism service?

During the Baptism service, which usually takes place at our 11.00am Family Service on the first Sunday of the month, parents and godparents will publicly declare their own faith, and make promises on behalf of the child. Soon after the beginning of the service, the family and friends of the baptism candidate will be invited to gather around the font. The minister will mark the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead, as a reminder of what Jesus has done for each one of us. Water is poured on the child’s head, signifying cleansing and renewal, and a candle will be given, another symbol of Jesus - the light of the world.

Godparents

It is usual to invite a few people to act as godparents to your child. Traditionally, three are chosen - two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex (although other numbers and combinations are possible). Godparents must be baptised themselves, and ideally will be regular worshippers.

Who can be Baptised?

In order to be eligible for a baptism service at St Lawrence, you must either live in the Bidborough section of our parish, or be a regular worshipping member of our church, or have a significant and ongoing link with the church. If you would like to arrange a baptism, please contact Stephen Hills. Stephen will then put you in touch with our Pastoral Assistant, Claire Wells, who will arrange to visit you.

If you decide on baptism for your child, Claire will take you through a course of preparation over one or two sessions. For young children this will include an opportunity for them to think about what will happen on their special day. Of course there will also be opportunities for you to join us in worship during services, including family services and services for adults, babies and little children before and after the baptism day.

An application form will be sent to you after this preparation.

Service of Thanksgiving

You may not feel able, in all honesty, to make the promises that are required in the baptism service, but may still want to thank God for the amazing gift of your child. In that case, why not have a Service of Thanksgiving, in which you can thank God for your child and we can pray God’s blessing on him or her. You can still arrange a baptism at any stage later on if you wish to. Again, please speak to Stephen for details.