Baptisms at Whittingham The Baptism (also known as a Christening) of a child is always a very joyful occasion. You can find out much more about Baptism here. Our baptisms take place in our 10am act of Sunday worship on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. If this is not convenient, we may also be able to do them on another Sunday in the month. Please complete the Baptism application form which you can find attached. What is it all about? Asking to have a child baptised or Christened (another name for the same occasion) demonstrates that you want God to have a real influence in the child’s life – not just on Christening Day, but for ever. At Baptism, God pours his Spirit into us (demonstrated by the ‘washing’ with water) and we become truly his (symbolized by being ‘signed’ with a cross). So the person being christened becomes Christ’s and a member of Christ’s family, the Church. Being part of the church and sharing in its worship, learning and service over many years means that we grow in understanding about what it means to be a Christian and are strengthened in our witness and service. What we hope for is to be close to God – now and in Heaven, once this earthly life is over. How can I arrange this? Contact the Vicar, The Rev’d Rich Townend (01670 719470) to talk things through in plenty of time in advance, or complete a form, which can be found above. Normally you must live within the parish of Whittingham, or attend worship here regularly or have had some contact with the church in the past. If you don’t live within Whittingham parish, you will also need to contact your local parish priest to inform them that your child is getting baptised outside of their parish. Once the form is completed and returned, we will invite you to come and worship with us and invite you and the godparents to a preparation session. A child being Christened, usually has godparents – perhaps up to three, but at least one. Godparents have themselves to have been baptised as they make important pledges on the child’s behalf. Parents and godparents should be aware of these promises to make sure they are in agreement with them. More details about what these promises are can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/guide-godparents/godparents-promises What happens after the service? We hope that you will continue to bring your children to worship with us and play a full part as members of the Church family. We can baptise people of any age, though by the age of 12 onwards, we’d expect this to be followed by Confirmation. For further information about Baptism, see the Church of England’s website – www.churchofengland.christenings.org We will do our best to make this a joyful and memorable day for you and your family and friends!
Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, formerly Bishop of Ripon, will be installed as the new Bishop of Newcastle in a service at Newcastle Cathedral on Saturday 22 April.Bishop Helen-Ann, was born in Edinburgh but spent most of her childhood in the North East. While still very young she moved with her family to Sunderland, where she attended primary and secondary school, while her father became a priest in the Church of England. She was herself ordained in 2005 as deacon in the Diocese of Oxford and became a priest a year later. Then in 2010, she relocated to New Zealand where, in 2013, she was elected Bishop of Waikato on the North Island. She returned to the UK In 2017 to become Bishop of Ripon, where she said goodbye at a farewell service in Ripon Cathedral during January.Helen-Ann is active in the world of media and is a keen runner, regularly taking part in Parkrun. Her last Parkrun in Yorkshire before her move to Newcastle was the weekend of 21/22 January - the following weekend she is planning to join the Town Moor Park Run not far from Bishop's House. She is married to Myles, a musician originally from Cumbria, while her parents, both retired, live in Durham.Following the announcement of her appointment, Bishop Helen-Ann said: “I am absolutely delighted and excited to be the next Bishop of Newcastle. With life-long connections to the whole region covered by the Diocese, I am inspired by the example of the Northern Saints, whose engagement in God’s mission lies deep in the fabric and contours of the land. I am, and will continue to be in this new role, a passionate advocate for the region. I look forward immensely to supporting and encouraging the vital work of the Diocese at every level: parishes and benefices, schools, chaplaincies, clergy and lay together as we continue to engage in God’s mission.
We are a small number of friends/neighbours/villagers who care about our local churchyard - green spaces - are interested in its history and, from time to time, are willing to provide a little TLC maintenance or makeover when asked. New Friends welcome ... Fascinating stories and amazing images. Please do visit our page.
