Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives.
For all involved, particularly the candidates but also their parents, God parents 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.
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. Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism,
where we believe we die to sin and our raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising,
a picture that is brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered.
Water is the sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit,
as Jesus was at His baptism. As a sign of that new life, there is a lighted candle,
a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil.
Everyone who is baptised walks in that light for the rest of their lives.
Baptisms take place on the last Sunday of the month
at 11:45am, and the certificate, candle and welcome are given the following
Sunday at our All Age service at 10:00am, at which the congregation are
present. Please call the Revd. James Taylor for more details. (01843 868923) |
