At St. Michael’s we welcome enquiries about Baptism (or Christening as it sometimes called). It is never too late to consider this important spiritual step. If after reading this leaflet you have any other queries please phone:
St. Michael’s Vicarage on 0117 9776132 or email david.moss1@blueyonder.co.uk.
What is Baptism?
It is the membership ceremony of the church.
This is why Baptisms are nearly always carried out at the most popular 10am Family Service with the rest of the church present. When adults are baptised they make promises about what they believe, their commitment and the lifestyle they will live. We believe that children should not be excluded from church membership but of course they are unable to make promises for themselves so you make the promises on their behalf. So when children are baptised Parents, Godparents and the Church promise that they will pray for their children, encourage them in the Christian faith and be a good example to them. As children get older they can choose whether or not to join the church by deciding whether to “confirm” the baptism promises at a special “confirmation service”.
It is a time of thankfulness
When Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan he became aware of God as his Father and felt the special presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, it was a turning point in his life. Many people sense God’s presence in their lives, especially at special times such as the birth of a child, and want to thank God. The church believes that baptism is a sacrament that means it is a visible sign of the sense you have in your heart both of God love working in you (and your child’s life).
Throughout church history Baptisms have been an occasion to invite all our friends and family. We invite them because we make a stand for what we truly believe by answering the following questions.
- Do you turn to Christ?
Answer: I turn to Christ - Do you repent of your sins?
Answer: I repent of my sins - Do you renounce evil?
Answer: I renounce evil - Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?
Answer: I believe and trust in him. - Do you believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?
Answer: I believe and trust in him. - Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world?
Answer: I believe and trust in him.
If you have difficulty making or understanding any of these promises we will discuss them with you. It is important to be honest before God.
What else happens at a Baptism service?
A name is given
When the minister baptises a person he will ask for his or her name you. This will be the Christian name for that person for the rest of his or her life. The minister says: N., I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Water is poured over the baptismal candidate
Water is a sign of cleansing and also an important sign of life. Water symbolises how we are all washed clean by God and forgiven and accepted by Him. As we cannot live without water so this sign reminds us that we also need the cleansing and renewing presence of God in our lives.
The sign of the cross is made
The minister will make the sign of the cross on the forehead of the child using the water. This is a sign to remind us that Jesus died for each one of us on the cross. As Christ died for us so we are now signed with the cross - the badge of our faith - to remind us that we must not be ashamed to tell other about our faith and fight against all that is evil.
The Lighted Candle is given
Following the baptism a lighted candle is given and the minister says,
Receive this light ... this is to show that you have passed from darkness to light.
Everybody responds: Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus is described in the Bible as the light of the world. The candle reminds us that with God’s light we must never be frightened by the evil in our world. It also reminds us that as Christians we must never forget to shine as lights in the world. One way of remembering this promise is by lighting the candle every year on the anniversary of your child’s baptism.
You are welcomed into the church family
At the end of the baptism the congregation welcomes you and your family into the church. Don’t forget to make the church your spiritual home not just on special occasions but week by week.
Records are made
A permanent record of the baptism with family details is recorded in the official registers of the church.
Godparents take on their responsibilities
Being asked to be a godparent is always a real privilege and shows that you have a special place in the family, but there are expectations and responsibilities too. Godparents are asked to promise to love and encourage the child in the Christian faith by prayer, example and teaching.
Usually people have three godparents for their child, two of the same sex as the child.
A gift is given?
Choosing a gift for a baptism can be difficult. There are two Christian bookshops in Park Street with a range of appropriate gifts for children and adults.
There is no charge for a baptism service however this church stays open because of the generosity of people in this community. If you can please put some money in the collection towards the church, if use the special church envelopes we can reclaim the tax you pay from the government.
APPLICATION FOR BAPTISM
(St. Michael and All Angels, Vivian Street, Windmill Hill, Bedminster)
