Baptism is a celebration – for the individual, their family and the Church family into which they are welcomed – and we aim to reflect this in our Baptism services. During the service, the person being baptised affirms their Christian faith and declares their intention to live life as a follower of Jesus and take their place within the Christian community. When a baby or young child is baptised, their parents and God-parents make these statements on behalf of the child, and promise to help him or her ‘grow into’ them as they get older.

Many parents are not sure they can yet make these commitments to Christian faith, Christian marriage and church membership with integrity; nonetheless they would like to mark the birth of a child with a public ceremony. The alternative ceremony of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child is very appropriate for this, and we are very happy to do this in one of our morning services for all who ask.