We are sure you're delighted with your new baby and you probably want to welcome him/her in a special way, but may be not sure how to do that.
Perhaps you've thought of a Baptism or Christening Service but you don't know how to arrange one?
This leaflet gives a brief outline and invites you to come along to a Baby Welcome Meeting after the All Age Worship at 10am on the first Sunday in the month in the church centre, to find out more about what is available at All Saints, Wingerworth.
If you are thinking about a welcome in church for your child please come to a Baby Welcome Meeting.
- At All Saints, Wingerworth there are two special services open to you for your child. They are quite different from each other and you will need to think carefully to decide which of the two services is right for you and your family.
The two services are not exclusive of each other: you could opt for a Thanksgiving Service followed by Baptism at a later date.
People worry that they are imposing views on their children; but from the moment they are born, you make choices on their behalf. You don't wait until they are old enough to ask for milk before you feed them and in the same way it is right to give them spiritual nourishment and teach them about the love of God from an early age. When they are old enough they may choose to be confirmed and to make an adult affirmation of faith.
In modern meaning baptism and christening are just different words for the same thing, but for many they are still significantly DIFFERENT. A ship is christened when it is given its name, and so a christening is about just that,naming the child. A baptism is where the child becomes an active participant member of the church.
- The service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Children was introduced by the Church of England as an alternative to Baptism for parents who wish to acknowledge God's goodness in giving them their child without committing themselves to the church in the way Baptism requires.
It is a special service to give thanks to God for your child's safe birth, and to pray for God's blessing upon him / her. It is an occasion when parents, family members and friends share a time of celebration together for a new life.
It is an opportunity for you as parents, along with specially close friends, to pledge in front of each other your commitment to bringing up your child as best you can,with God's help.In the service the minister will take your child in their arms and place a hand on the youngster's head as they ask God's blessing upon the child.
The family makes no promises in the service, and is not committed to attending church regularly, although you will always be very welcome.
No further preparation is necessary and after the Baby Welcome meeting a date can be fixed.
At any time in the future, when you feel you would like to make promises and commitments then you can ask for a Baptism service.
Because it is not Baptism, no water is used.
- Baptism is a sacrament, a visible sign of God's love.In baptism we are thanking God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledging his love. We are acknowledging that we all need to turn away from the darkness of evil and to make a new start with God
In the service the parents and godparents promise, among other things to come regularly to church with their children, and are publicly questioned about their own Christian faith.
These are important questions and parents and godparents (if possible) are invited to a preparation meeting to help them think through the issues involved.
So that you can keep the promises you will be making at the Baptism, you will need to become regular attenders at church if you are not already.
For your child, baptism marks the start of a journey of faith which involves turning away from the darkness of self-centredness, turning towards Christ and becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.
Baptism involves the use of water.
A meeting for parents to book a Baptism or Thanksgiving service and ask any questions they may have.
After the All Age Worship at 10am on the first Sunday in the month (usually 11am)
Thanksgiving for the Gift of Children
Second Sunday in the month
Parents and Godparents meeting
8pm Wednesday
A time for all parents and godparents to discuss the implications of baptism before the service.
Service of Infant Baptism
Usually 11.30am fourth Sunday in the month
There is no charge for any of these services.
Rector: The Rev Dr Jo White
The Rectory, Longedge Lane, Wingerworth S42 6PU
01246 234242
Baptism Co-ordinator:Gwyneth Armstrong
01246 233951
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