Baptisms
We are delighted you are thinking about a baptism for yourself or for your children. Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. It is the first step in response to God’s love. It is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, make serious promises and declare our faith. The local church also seeks to welcome those who are Baptised, and takes a role in promising to give support and prayer for the future.
Ideally we like Baptisms to take place within a main morning service. However this is not always practical so we can arrange services on Saturday afternoon, or on Sunday afternoons depending on clergy availability.
To make a booking it helps if you can come to one of our services. This gives you a chance to meet us and helps us to get to know you and your children, and discuss dates. See details of our service times. Coming to Active Church is a really good option, with plenty of to do for all ages. However children are always welcome at all our services.
We normally need at least a month’s notice before a Baptism takes place.
A Baptism application form for children may be downloaded here: Baptism App Form (Revised March 2024)
A Baptism application form for adults may be downloaded here: Baptism App Form (Adult)
When we have received your application, we write to confirm the date and time, and arrange to meet to explain the service. This is usually an evening in the week immediately before the baptism.
If you want to know more about what Baptism involves we will be happy to meet and discuss this with you, see Home page for contact details.
DO PARENTS AND GODPARENTS NEED TO BE BAPTISED?
Church law requires that godparents be themselves baptised, but not parents. We will be pleased to discuss this further. For more information please visit https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/parents-guide-christenings/choosing-godparents
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
Children and adults can be baptised at any age. If a child is old enough, we will spend time explaining and going through the service with them.
DO YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE PARISH?
Baptism requires parents to make a serious commitment about the way they bring children up within the church family. The Church of England expects that the best place for baptism is local to where you live. If you live outside one of our parishes, we will often ask you to make contact with your local church before arranging a baptism with us.
MUSIC
If the Baptism takes place in a main morning service, and there are particular songs you would like to sing please let us know.
Where a baptism takes place as a separate service, hymns can be included but you will need request an organist at the time of booking. An organist fee will be payable.
HOW MUCH DOES THE SERVICE COST?
There are no fees for a baptism service. However donations are important to us.
BAPTISM OF ADULTS
There is no maximum or minimum age for a baptism. We frequently arrange baptisms of adults, and this can happen at the same time as that of your children.
Last updated May 2024