The Service
The focus of the service takes place with parents and godparents gathered round the font with the baby. The minister asks them if, on behalf of the baby and of themselves, they turn to Christ, repent of their sins and renounce evil. The parents and godparents are asked if they believe in God the Father who made the world, in God the Son who redeemed mankind and in God the Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God. They reply: "I believe and trust in him."

Holding the child, the priest pours water over its forehead. Using its Christian names, the priest declares: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Pouring the water (a reminder of those original baptisms in a river) gives the sacrament its name of baptism, from the Greek word for dipping or plunging in water. It symbolises Christ washing new Christians free from sin and uniting them with his death and resurrection. The priest makes the sign of the Cross on the child's forehead to show that it should 'not be afraid to confess the faith of Christ crucified'. At the end of the service, a lighted candle is presented to the family to remind them that 'Christ is the light of the world' and that the newly baptised, too, should shine as a light in the world to the glory of God. Declaring that the child has been received into the Church, the minister and congregation then welcome it into membership.

Before making any plans about times or dates or a baby's baptism, the parents should contact the church office, details of which can be found on the 'Contact Us' link below.