Baptisms and Thanksgivings

Baptism

Often called a Christening, baptism is one of the most amazing things you can do! It marks the beginning of a faith journey: a walk with God and taking your role within the local and worldwide church.

Anyone can be baptised and at any age. We don't charge for baptisms (though you may like to hire one of our rooms for a party afterwards).

The first step would be to have a conversation with the Vicar who will come and meet you to talk about what baptism involves.

Tel: 0115 779 9468

If after that meeting you decide a baptism isn't right for you but you would still like a service, we offer a service of thanksgiving. This service would give you the chance to give thanks to God for your child and pray for their future.

The Church website (https://www.stjohnscarrington.org.uk/baptism) has more information and below are some questions that may aid you in your thinking:

"I want my baby to be baptized but i'm not baptized myself!'                                                                                                                                        No problem! You can have your child baptized at a christening regardless of whether or not you, the parents, are baptized.

"Do Godparents need to be baptized?"                                                                                                                                                                            Yes, choosing a Godparent is about asking someone to support the child in their ongoing walk with God so a Godparent does need to be baptised.

You may have some close friends who are not baptised however who you want to play a role in your child's life - these will play a role in the service but are called 'sponsors.'

"What preparation will I need to do?"                                                                                                                                                                             Normally the Vicar and maybe a member of our ministry team would come round to meet you in the comfort of your home. They will talk through what baptism means and what happens in the service.

Above all though, they will want to get to know and see how they can best support you as a family during this exciting time.

"When will the baptism take place?"                                                                                                                                                                                      Our baptisms normally take place in our main Sunday service at 10am.

"Will i have to attend church to have my child baptized?"                                                                                                                                            No! Although you may like to attend for a couple of Sundays before the baptism so that you can get to meet the wider church family and see what it's all about. The wider church would also love to meet you so they can be praying for you in the months and years ahead.