Baptisms

Thinking About a Christening?

Having a child is an exciting time. If you’re thinking about a christening, also known as baptism, we’d love to celebrate with you.

A christening is a moment to celebrate God’s love for your child, welcome them into the family of the Church, pray for them, and give thanks for the gift of new life, surrounded by family, friends and the church community.

How It Works

We want the process to be warm, relaxed and straightforward. Here’s what to expect.

An initial chat

We start with an informal conversation, perhaps over a cup of tea or a visit, to get to know your family, hear your hopes and questions, and talk through what a christening involves.

Getting to know the church family

Baptism is about welcoming your child into the life of the Church, so we’ll invite you to come along to our Sunday services, especially our relaxed all-age services, so you and your child can begin to feel at home here.

Preparing for the day

Before the date is fixed, we’ll spend some time together exploring the meaning of baptism and looking at the promises you and your chosen godparents will be making.

We do this through a short session called First Steps on the Journey. It’s relaxed, usually over a cup of tea, and there’s nothing to prepare beforehand. We’ll look at what baptism actually means through some of Jesus’s own stories, talk honestly about the promises you and your godparents will be asked to make, and walk through what happens on the day itself. You’ll leave with a small booklet and a few simple, everyday practices, like pausing to pray for your child, that you can carry on long after the day is done.

The service

Most of our baptisms take place during our main Sunday morning service. Our whole congregation is there to support you, pray for your family, and give your child a warm welcome into the church community.

Looking for Something Different?

If you want to celebrate your child’s arrival with family and friends but aren’t ready to make the Christian promises involved in baptism, that’s completely fine.

We also offer a Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. It’s a way to give thanks for your child, celebrate their life, name them before God, and ask for God’s blessing, without the formal promises involved in baptism.

Being Baptised Yourself?

If you’re an adult thinking about being baptised for the first time, rather than looking to christen a child, visit our Getting Baptised as an Adult page instead.

Ready to Find Out More?

Whatever stage you’re at, and whatever questions you have, there’s no pressure. We’d love to hear from you and begin the conversation.