WHY HAVE YOUR CHILD BAPTISED?

"To name them properly?"

No, because this happens when the birth is registered.

"Because Granny wants them done?"

Granny isn't going to raise you child - that is your responsibility.  Neither does she have to make the baptism promises.  So you must decide if  you want your child baptised and no-one else.

"To make sure your child goes to heaven if it dies?"

God loves children whether they've been baptised or not.  He doesn't treat children differently just because they're baptised.

"To thank God for your baby's safe arrival?"

That's certainly a good reason to celebrate (and have a party!), but it's not what baptism's for.

"To give your baby a good start in life."

Baptism certainly is a good start, but it needs to be followed by a Christian up-bringing, otherwise it's the start of nothing.  That's why parents play such an important part in baptism.

"To help your child grow up as a Christian?"

Now you're talking!  But on its own baptism is not enough.  Your child will rely on you to teach them by your own example.  That's what parents promise to do in the Baptism service.

This is why it's so important for you as your child's parents to be sure about what you believe about the Christian faith - it's why we feel a responsibility to help you prepare for the baptism and to offer to support you when it's taken place.

SO WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Originally it was for adults who became Christians.  But soon it began to involve whole families.  Naturally, Christian parents wanted their children baptising too.

BUT THERE ARE 2 SIDES TO BAPTISM

FORGIVENESS

We all need God's forgiveness, and Baptism speaks to us of washing or cleansing, just as we wash unclean dishes or hands.

NEW LIFE

Our forgiveness cost Jesus his life, and God offers us a new life as WE turn to him and give ourselves to him. So, in baptism, we ask for God's forgiveness and turn over the coin to start a new life with him.

WHY BAPTISE A CHILD?

Christian parents want their children to receive that forgiveness and new life - it's the most precious gift anyone can receive.'

By their example they encourage their children to grow up as Christians.

This involves a number of things, such as:

 GOING TO CHURCH AS A FAMILY

 LIVING YOUR LIFE BY GOD'S STANDARDS

 PRAYING AND READING THE BIBLE TOGETHER

 FOLLOWING CHRIST AND GROWING TOGETHER

WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP?

Please think about the commitments you will make as your child is baptised:

They involve

EXAMPLE AND UPBRINGING

This may involve making one or two sacrifices so that our children can have the best.

DO YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE THESE COMMITMENTS AND CARRY THEM THROUGH?

It's because we want to help you discover and accept these commitments for yourself that we give you this leaflet and a minister visits you before the Baptism.  This enables us to talk to you about the meaning of your baby's baptism, and to help with the decision about what is best for your child.

Which, in the end, is what we all want.

'Lord you know everything I do;

from far away you understand all my thoughts.'

Psalm 139.2

Lord Jesus Christ

We come to you with our baby

we give this new life into your care.

We ask that our child may grow up to love and trust you.

Lord Jesus

draw us together in deeper love and understanding

so that our child may grow up in security and peace.

Lord - I am glad

there are no secrets from you

my dreams and my fears are all open to you.

Amen.