To have a child baptised
or blessed in our church you should make early contact
with the minister either directly or via the
church
office.
In the recent past it was obligatory for at least
one, if not both parents, to be active members of a church. Some baptisms were
agreed on the understanding that one or both parents would attend a class for
new members as the first stage in joining the church. However
in 2003 the regulations changed. Now it is
possible to have a child baptised whether or not the parents are members of a
church providing there is a clear undertaking,
on the part of the parents or guardians, to bring the
child up in the Christian Faith.
(Photos; L Font; R the Dove Descending.)
The time of the baptism will be
arranged with the Minister.
At present baptisms are usually held on the first Sunday in the month at
the 9.45am. morning service.
The Minister will meet with the parents on a day,
or an evening, in the week prior to the baptism taking
place. At this meeting it is usual for the parents to bring with them their
child's birth certificate on which the date of the baptism, the officiating
minister, the church and declaration that the child has been baptised,
will be recorded.
The Service of Baptism consists of the Preaching
of the Word followed by the Sacrament of Baptism. At the time of baptism. the
parents will promise to bring their child up in the Christian Faith and the
child will be baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The entire family are then welcomed into the family of the Church.
Extended family members and friends are
very welcome to attend the service.
