WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
The Baptism Service involves
- Declaring your belief in God
- Making Promises
- Sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus in a symbolic way
- Joining the church family.
HOW DID IT START?
Jesus was, Himself, baptised in the River Jordan and He became more aware of God as His Father and
felt the special power of the Holy Spirit come upon Him. After His death and resurrection Jesus
commanded His followers to make new Disciples and to baptise them too. This has been done since in
Christian churches throughout the world.
THE PROMISES
In baptism God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ ,the way,the truth and the life?
I come to Christ..
It is important for you to decide whether you and your Godparents can make these promises not just in
words but meaningfully. That is why at St James we have a Preparation Evening with you and the
Godparents.
We also ask everyone to first come to a Thanksgiving Service held as part of the Family Service. In this
service we give thanks to God for your child and pray for God's blessing upon him or her. Some families
decide this is enough.
There is also a Preparation Evening before this. Please contact the Vicar on 01909 563447 to arrange
this.
GODPARENTS
Children must have at least two Godparents with whom one is of the opposite sex to the baby. They
must all be baptised and preferably confirmed. Most people choose three close friends or relatives.
Often, Godparents like to buy a special present for the child and there are a variety of good quality
Prayer Books, Story Books and Bibles for children available from SPCK (The Cathedral Bookshop, 8 East
Parade, Sheffield S1 2ET) and CLC Bookshop (103-105 West Street, Sheffield).
|
Mr and Mrs Kirkham decided to become Christians
after their son's Christening. They had many
questions which needed answers so they joined an
Alpha. "It changed our lives so much and for the
better." |
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Baptism is a first step. A very important step, but only a first step. It makes your child a member of
God's church. At St James we encourage families to come to the Family Service with Communion held on
the first Sunday in the month at 10:00am. We have a creche at the back of the church under the tower
and Sunday School for children aged 3 and above.
Your children will only feel they belong to the church if they get to know the people who worship there.
Like many other activities you need to join in in order to make the most of it. We hope that bringing your
child for Baptism has renewed your own interest in God and that you will take advantage of this
opportunity to see what is on offer for you too. You may find doing the ALPHA COURSE helpful. |
