Baptisms at Sefton Parish Church

We welcome children and adults for baptism. In your child’s baptism you are thanking God for the gift of life and starting your child on a lifetime’s journey in the Christian faith. We, as members of this church, are here to support you at this important stage in your child’s life.

Thanksgiving

Some parents are unsure as to whether they wish to have their child baptised in which case we can offer a Thanksgiving Blessing. This is an opportunity for you to thank God for the gift of a child. It is a special way of celebrating the birth or adoption of a new member of your family. At Sefton it would take place in Church as part of our Family Service on the 3rd Sunday of the month. It involves a short prayer of thanksgiving for your child followed by a prayer of blessing.

It does not involve the same promises as in the Baptism service. It can be followed at a later date by Baptism.

Baptism - some questions and answers

Q When do you have Baptisms? Baptisms at Sefton usually take place on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the main family service at 11.15am (lasting no more than 1hr) or on the 2nd Sunday at 1pm (lasting approx 30mins) or by special arrangement at other times. Q What’s the difference between a Baptism and a Christening? There is no difference. They are different words for the same thing. Q Is there a fee for a Christening? No there is no set fee, however there will be an offering plate at the back of church and we suggest that parents consider giving a donation ( as a guide we would suggest a contribution of between £25 - £50 . For parents who are tax payers we ask that you use the gift envelopes we provide and which enable us to reclaim tax paid) How do I arrange a Christening? Either phone or email the Rector Reverend Irene Cowell and she will discuss possible dates and takes some details from you. Q What happens if I move out of the area? Perhaps you were married here or lived in the parish as a child and your family are still resident here, in which case phone or e-mail to discuss possible dates. If you have no association with the parish we would be willing to talk through the possibility of having your child baptised at Sefton Church, however we would encourage you in the first instance to approach the vicar of your local parish church. Q If we arrange a Baptism do we need to come to church every Sunday? There is no requirement to attend services but we would enjoy getting to know you and your child before the Baptism day. It also helps you to feel at home in the church building, to get to know some of the people involved in your child’s Baptism service and to have a better understanding of what it means to be part of the Christian family which your child is joining. Q How do we know what is expected of us in the Baptism service? About 10 – 14 days before the service one of the clergy will meet you for an informal discussion, either at church or in your home, to explain what happens in the service. We will answer any questions you have at that meeting but if you would like to know more now then do visit www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents. Q We are not married. Can our child be baptised? Yes, we are happy to baptise your child whatever your family structure. We have celebrated Baptisms with one parent families and at weddings. All are welcome. Q Does it matter how many friends we invite to the Baptism service? No we can accommodate most family groups however we would suggest that you limit the number invited to the church to 100 people if having the baptism in the morning service. Q Can we take photographs or Video the Service Yes but this will be discussed with you at the baptism visit as there are restrictions.

Godparents

Godparents are important people who have special tasks. They promise to help their godchild come to know God, encourage him or her in their membership of the local church and take an interest in their spiritual life. They make the same promises as parents on behalf of the child being baptised. They commit themselves to pray for the child and help the parents bring up the child in the Christian faith.

Children should normally have at least three godparents and a maximum of six, two of whom should be the same sex as the child. They can be family members or friends (and parents can also be godparents). But to carry out this role, the Church of England requires that all godparents have been baptised.

Adult baptism candidates have sponsors rather than godparents. A sponsor will formally present the candidate for baptism and help them with their growth as a Christian. There should be at least two sponsors who, like godparents, need to be baptised. Contact Rev Irene Cowell

Provided by Today's New International Version TNIV Bible.