Baptisms at All Saints Church, Stisted
You are loved by God. You always have been. And that is something worth celebrating!
We are delighted that you are considering baptism at All Saints Stisted. Whether you are thinking about baptism for your baby, your child, or yourself, we would love to welcome you.
Baptism is a wonderful occasion, full of joy, hope and new beginnings. It is a celebration of God's extraordinary love for each and every one of us, and an opportunity to gather with family, friends and our church community to mark something truly special.
What is baptism?
We believe that every person is already known, cherished and loved by God, long before they ever set foot inside a church.
Baptism doesn't make God love us more, or suddenly turn us into someone worthy of that love. God's love is already there, freely and generously given.
Instead, baptism is a beautiful way of recognising and celebrating that love. It marks the beginning of a journey of faith, as we discover more about who God is, what it means to follow Jesus, and how we might live lives shaped by love, kindness, forgiveness and hope.
For babies and young children, parents and godparents make promises to help them grow in faith and discover God's love for themselves. For older children and adults, baptism is an opportunity to express their own desire to explore and follow the Christian faith.
Nobody needs to have all the answers. Faith is a journey of discovery, and we are all learning as we go!
Why be baptised at All Saints Stisted?
For generations, All Saints has been a place where people have gathered to celebrate life's important moments, to share their joys and sorrows, and to find friendship, community and faith.
There is something particularly lovely about celebrating a baptism in a village church, surrounded by family, friends and a community that will welcome and support you as you grow.
Because faith was never meant to be a journey we take alone.
Our church family is made up of ordinary, imperfect people, learning together what it means to love God and our neighbours. We don't claim to have everything worked out, but we believe that life is richer when we share it with one another.
When someone is baptised, the whole church community celebrates and promises to welcome, encourage and support them on their journey.
We warmly welcome enquiries from those living in Stisted and the surrounding parishes, as well as families who have an existing connection with All Saints.
And please don't worry if you haven't been to church for years, or even if you've never been before. You don't need to become a regular churchgoer before you can come and talk to us about baptism.
When do baptisms take place?
Baptisms normally take place during one of our church services, because welcoming someone through baptism is something the whole church family shares in.
Our services are friendly, welcoming and inclusive, and children are very much part of our church life. We don't expect anyone to sit perfectly still, know all the words or understand everything that's happening!
Sometimes more than one family may be celebrating a baptism together, making it an especially joyful occasion.
We'll be delighted to talk through the arrangements with you and help make the day meaningful, memorable and personal.
We'd love to hear from you
Whether you're ready to arrange a baptism or are simply curious and would like to find out more, please get in touch.
There is no expectation that you will have everything worked out before contacting us. Questions, doubts and curiosity are all welcome here.
Because baptism isn't about being perfect or having all the answers. It's about celebrating a love that was there from the very beginning, and discovering where that love might lead us.
For further information or to enquire about baptism, please contact:
Revd Tayrina Ferguson
Vicar of Coggeshall and the United Parishes
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01376 806074