Baptism and Thanksgiving
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CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

Children are a gift from God. Naturally, many parents want to celebrate their arrival with some form of service in church. St. Paul's is part of the Church of England which, like many churches, recognises two main services to celebrate the birth of a child:

• Thanksgiving;
• Baptism (sometimes called 'Christening').

Both normally take place during our 9.30am and 11.15am services.

Occasionally, some adults are baptised within a service.

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is a service for those who wish, quite simply, to say 'thank you' to God for their child. Prayers are said, the child is named and blessed and a certificate is given to commemorate the Thanksgiving.

BAPTISM

Baptism is for those who want to state their desire to bring up their child as a Christian. It therefore involves words of commitment to Jesus Christ and to church. As well as the words of commitment, the child is named, water is poured over the child, and prayers are said.

Baptism is the mark of being part of the Christian Church. Families bringing their child for baptism hope that one day their child will be confirmed and make this commitment to Jesus and to church for themselves.

You will need to think very carefully about this service as you will be asked to make a clear and personal confession of the Christian faith.

God loves everyone, whether your child has had a Service of Baptism, Thanksgiving or nothing at all. (A few churches require baptism before they will allow you to be married in church. This is not a legal requirement and baptism is not needed to be married at St Paul's).

SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What if I want 'baptism' but don't feel I can make a clear committment to Jesus Christ and His Church?

It is important that at least one parent is able to say the baptismal promises with integrity. If neither of you think you can do that, then it is best to have a Thanksgiving Service, or to wait. Waiting can be a good option. There is no hurry to have your baby 'done'! You may want to think more about the implications of Christian faith for you and your family. If so, why not find out more?

Once my child has been baptised, have I completed my Christian duty?

No, it's only just begun! At baptism, parents and godparents commit themselves to help the child grow up as a Christian, believing and trusting in God. Parents in particular need to encourage their child to worship regularly, read the Bible and pray. These will be crucial if your child is to continue in the Christian faith.

What is the role of a godparent?

Godparents are those who agree to be especially concerned for their godchild's development, particularly their spiritual growth. Ideally, they will be committed to pray for them. You need at least one male and one female godparent (up to a maximum of four). They need to be baptised and worshipping members of a church. For further information, why not visit www.egodparent.com?

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Please come along to the Vicar's Surgery (most Mondays between 6.30-7.30pm) to meet a member of St Paul's clergy who will be pleased to talk with you further about the different options open to you at St Paul's.

We encourage you to continue to join us at our Sunday morning services which start at 9.30am and 11.15am every Sunday of the month.
There is a crèche every Sunday and groups for school-aged children between Yr.R to Yr.8. Most services are about an hour and a quarter long and provide an ideal opportunity to think more deeply about what you are undertaking, especially if you are planning on a Service of Baptism.

USEFUL INFORMATION

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS:
Mothers & Toddlers:	Thursday 10.00am - 12.00pm (Term Time only)
Women's Fellowship:	Wednesday 9.30am - 12.00pm (Term Time only)
Church Office	10.00am - 2.00pm (Mon. - Fri.)
Tel:	01276 700210
Email:	admin@stpaulscamb.co.uk
Useful website:	www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/baptismconfirm