Baptism
'...the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him...'
What a Baptism is for...
​Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love.
For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith.
The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future.
Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church.
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The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us.
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Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising, a picture that can be brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit.
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This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism; and as a sign of that new life, there may be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptized walks in that light for the rest of their lives.
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In the case of babies or children, the ceremony involves the parents and godparents making promises that they will pray for the child, give them a good example of Christian living, and help them take their place as worshipping members of the church. This is a serious commitment, and may not suit all parents, we are always happy to offer, as an alternative, a simple service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. Please contact Rev Martin for more details.
The service..
Preparing for baptism...
If you are clear that you do wish to have your child baptised then we will set a date to visit you at home where the vicar or a member of our baptism team will go through the service with you and answer any questions you may have, so that you feel at home in this new community which you and your child are joining, and can relax and enjoy the baptism service.
Baptisms in the Revel Group of Churches are held either on a Saturday, or on a Sunday afternoon.
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A word about godparents…
When you book your child's baptism, we will take details of the Godparents, it is usual for there to be no more than four. Please remember that Godparents must be over 16 years old, and they should have been baptised.
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If you are interested in arranging for a baby or child to be baptised in a Revel Group church please contact Rev Martin by email rev.martin@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01788 726587.
