A new baby is a special joy to its parents and a decision to baptise the baby is a way to give thanks to God for the safe delivery of a new child and to enlist God's help in protecting it. At a baptism the parents and godparents make commitments before God that they will help to bring up the child in the image of God and follow the Christian way of life. More information on baptisms, Thanksgiving and Dedications in the Church of England can be found on the life events website: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings

Thanksgiving Service

Some families decide to have a Thanksgiving Service rather than a Christening. This service is an opportunity to gather with you friends and family to give thanks for your child, but does not involve promises being made by parents and godparents to nurture the child in the christian faith. Just ask if you would like to know more about this option.

All parents and carers considering baptism for their children are invited to meet with our Vicar Rev Suzy, and it is so important that the chosen God parents also understand what an important role they will play. We would love to support you as you make this decision so please make contact with:

The Vale churches Benefice Office at [email protected] & we can send you some more information & arrange to meet you to discuss which service would be best for you.

These ceremonies are a special occasion for the family, and especially for the parents, but it is also an acknowledgement before God of the responsibilities that those close to the child will assume in the child's early life, and also before the church family in which the child will be brought up.

Adult Baptism

Baptisms also take place for those who have come to faith later in life and who were not christened as a child. If you would like to find out more about being baptised, then contact the Benefice office.

The Vale Churches, covering parishes of Bradford-on-Tone, Heathfield with Cotford St Luke, Hillfarrance, Nynehead and Oake