BAPTISM & THANKSGIVING

Baptisms & Thanksgivings

Baptism and Thanksgiving

When a new baby arrives it’s natural to want to celebrate this special event with family and friends, and to say ‘thank you’ for the wonderful gift of a new life.

BAPTISM
Baptism (also known as ‘Christening’) marks the beginning of a journey with God, which continues for the rest of our lives; for some it’s the first step in their response to God’s love. It’s a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ; and in response we make promises and declare the Christian faith.

If you are bringing your child to baptism, you and your child’s godparents will be required to answer questions on your child’s behalf during the service. You will be expected to pray for them at home and to bring them up in an awareness of what God in Jesus Christ has done for us; among other things this means helping them to take their place within the life and worship of the Church.

These are serious promises, undertaken in church in the presence of God: they should not be taken lightly. We ask all our families to attend our Baptism Preparation Course before the baptism.

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
This is an opportunity for parents and families to give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to pray for their family life.

If parents wish to recognise the role of supporting friends, they can be invited to stand with the parents at the thanksgiving. The child is first named and blessed; we then pray for them and for God’s help and blessing for you in the raising of your child.

By choosing a Service of Thanksgiving for your child, you enable them – when they are older – to decide for themselves whether they would like to be baptised.

Either service can take place during a Sunday morning service, or in the afternoon.


Please contact the Church Office to discuss your child's Baptism or Thanksgiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book St Michael's Centre
When will the service take place?
We encourage baptisms to be held during our Sunday morning worship service, although we also hold private baptisms on Sunday at 12.30 pm.

How much does a baptism service cost?
There are no fees for a baptism service, but you can of course choose to make a donation to the church.

Can I still have my child baptised in Bishop's Cleeve if I don't live in the parish?
Baptisms normally take place in the parish where you live, but if you have a connection with this parish (for example you were married or baptised here), we will be happy to arrange for the service to be held here. You must, however, first obtain the permission of the Vicar or Rector of the parish where you live.

Can I be baptised as an adult?
Certainly – there’s no age limit, and we love to welcome adults into the Christian faith in this way! 
 
The Church of England Christenings website also provides everything you need to know about your child's baptism, from choosing godparents to what happens after.
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