Avon Dassett with Fenny Compton, Burton Dassett, Farnborough, Gaydon with Chadshunt
Christening and Baptism
At a christening a person is baptised with water and the Holy Spirit and is given a place among the Christian people of God. Whether you come as an adult or a baby, baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of your life. It is a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family. It is always a pleasure to be involved in a baptism and here we will help you through each stage of the planning process and make sure your service is personal to you.
The Baptism of a Child
The birth of a baby is a time of great joy and something to celebrate! Your child is precious to you and precious to God. Baptism is the beginning of a journey with God, so you need to consider the support for the child on that journey. We ask you to invite a number of people to be Godparents for the child – usually two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but you can have more than three. They can encourage the child and be a reliable adult friend. They themselves need to to have been baptised and be “on their own journey with God”.
We also ask you to think about how you will bring up the child in the Christian Faith. You’re not alone – there are the child’s Godparents, and also the local church.
'Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.' Proverbs 22:6
Confirmation of your faith
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptised. If you were baptised at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. At a confirmation service conducted by the Bishop, you affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. The Bishop lays hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
Your local church
A Christening is a good opportunity to get to know your local church, and the special services and events they provide for children and families.
Even if you don’t live in the parish, feel free to discuss your needs with us.
There’s no charge for a Baptism, because it’s the free gift of God, but we do hope you will respond to that free gift with a donation to support the work of our church.