Baptism information for Parents
This is a copy of the letter we send to parents/guardians who are requesting baptism for their child(ren)
The Upper Waveney Benefice
Bressingham, Fersfield, North Lopham, Roydon and
www.upperwaveneybenefice.com
Dear
Thank you for your enquiry about baptising your child or children (Baptism means the same as Christening). Please find the enclosed information:
· An application form-which I would like you to complete as much as possible and return to me in the S.A.E. provided.
· An information leaflet for you-which I would like you to read-or contact me so that I can explain it to you.
· An information leaflet for Godparents-which I also would like you to read.
· Nearer the date of the baptism I will give you a leaflet to give to each Godparent.
When I have received your application form back I will contact you and confirm the date, time and location of your child’s baptism ( I try to make this as convenient for you as possible but please remember that I have other commitments as well). Nearer the date of the baptism I will arrange an appointment for you to see me either at The Rectory or at your home depending on my commitments at the time, when I will go through the service with you, if you are single, or you and your partner (again I try to make this appointment to be as convenient to you as possible).
There is no charge for baptism and I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this matter.
The Rev’d. Rob Mellowship
The Rectory, High Road, Bressingham, Diss,
01379 688267 Email: robmellowship@msn.com
The Upper Waveney Benefice
Bressingham, Fersfield, North Lopham, Roydon and
www.upperwaveneybenefice.com
Information for parents
Welcome, Parents!
Thank you for choosing to have your child baptised (christened - means the same thing). This little leaflet is to tell you something about baptism, and what you will have to do at the christening service.
By now you'll have chosen your godparents, but perhaps I should just point out that being a godparent doesn't mean that in the unlikely event of an accident in which you both died, your godparents would have to take care of your child. That would be the job of grandparents or specially appointed guardians.
Being a godparent is basically about helping to look after your child's spiritual needs and the godparents have leaflets similar to this one to help them with that task. But of course, you are the main people to look after your child in every way including their spiritual needs.
You'll be hearing some pretty medieval language in the christening service because the service is very historical. It dates right back to the beginning of Christianity around 2000 years ago, when Jesus himself was baptised in the river. When that happened, Jesus was filled a sense of God. It was as though he became filled with God himself - with God's essence or God's spirit.
That still happens today at baptism services. Your child will have God's essence or spirit inside them, but as they grow up, it's up to you and your godparents to help that spirit grow and develop inside them by helping them to make a relationship with God.
The Baptism Service
You can find the full service here
The whole service takes place around you and your children. The minister will ask you together with all your godparents to stand with them. The minister will ask these questions, and expect you to respond as follows:
RESPONSES OF PARENTS AND GODPARENTS
Please respond to the questions with the words in dark type
Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism your children will begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I repent of them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.
You'll probably have noticed that three of these promises are negative - about rejecting the devil, renouncing evil and repenting of sins. What you're basically saying here is that on your child’s behalf, you promise to turn away from bad and nasty things like lying or gossiping about people behind their back or throwing a wobbly because someone upsets you - you know the sort of thing that spoils relationships.
This doesn't mean that your life at home while your child is growing up will be free from all strife - it won't be! But it does mean that you're promising to do your best to avoid getting dragged down into lies or dishonesty or secretiveness or a culture of blame when things go wrong. All these are the sorts of things which gradually sour relationships.
The other three promises are positive - about turning to Jesus, submitting to Jesus and coming to Jesus. Since it's just about impossible for normal human beings to stop themselves doing or thinking nasty things all the time,
Baptism is entry into the church (which is why the baptismal font is at the back - nearest to the point of entry). From the time they are baptised, they will be members of the world-wide Christian church, and especially a member of our church here where they are baptised, so we'd love to get to know them and to see them grow up.
If you're not church attenders, you might be interested in finding out more for yourself about the Christian faith and this God of love and his son, Jesus. Most churches now have occasional evenings to help people explore Christianity, or could point you in the right direction where you could explore as much or as little as you wish, without any pressure or hard sell.
We all need help! This is where Jesus comes in. If you ask him to help you live a good, open and honest life in which you grow gradually closer to God, he will do so.
What the service basically means is that you'll be promising to help your child make that personal relationship with God, through Jesus.
How do you do that? Well, already you yourselves have a very deep relationship with them. You care for them in every way and know their needs. But as well as feeding them and keeping them clean and making sure they get enough sleep, you show them lots of love. You hug them and cuddle them and play with them and read to them and stimulate their minds and her bodies, and they respond with their love for you and by taking a big interest in their surroundings. This relationship with you and interest in their surroundings immediately tells them about God.
You see, God is love, so as you love them and they feel secure in your love, you're already teaching them about God without even realising you're doing so.
Of course, if you wish, you could do more. There are lots of lovely children's books of Bible stories available (your local S.P.C.K. bookshop - in the telephone directory - will have stacks) as well as beautifully produced children's Bibles. You could perhaps read some of these stories to them. There are also simple prayers which you could share with them - a couple are at the end of this leaflet.
We'd love to see you and your child in church from time to time. Or you might want to bring them to one of our regular mid-week services for parents and the under-fives.
You make these promises not on your own behalf, but on behalf of your child. When they’re old enough - say 10 or 11 -they might want to take on these promises for themselves, but until then, you're responsible for keeping these promises for them.
Wow! Sounds like a real big deal. Well, in a way it is, because it might change the direction of your life. But in another way it's surprisingly easy, because Jesus will help you through, maybe without you even realising it.
After today, the church might not have a very big role in your child's life. But we want you to know that our church has soft walls - you can come or go as you please and will always be welcome. And we also want you to know that if we can ever help in any way, we will. Just give us a ring.
I hope the christening service is full of meaning for you and that you enjoy your children's special day.
Someone once said that baptism is the kiss of God on the soul of a child. Like your kisses, that kiss is very precious. It's just one of the signs of God's huge love for both of you and for your child. God is on your side - make the most of him, for your child's sake!
SOME PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN TO USE
The Lord’s Prayer (Modern Version)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional Version)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
...and what it means...
Abba, Father, praise!
May paradise come on earth,
So earth becomes just like heaven.
Please give us each day all we need to survive.
Forgive us for all our wrong thoughts, words and actions,
Just as we forgive everyone who hurts or wrongs us.
Steer us away from harm, and protect us from all evil.
For you are powerful and sensational and it’s paradise to be with you.
And this is true for all time. Amen (So, be it!).
God of all peace
God of all peace, be with us. God of all power, strengthen us. God of all goodness, keep us safe. Amen.
God be in my head
God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in my eyes, and in my looking. God be in my mouth, and in my speaking. God be in my heart, and in my thinking. God be at my end, and at my departing. Amen.
Jesus, be close to me
Jesus, be close to me, Jesus, wrap your arms around me and hug me tight. Amen.
Jesus, bless those I love
Jesus, bless Mummy and Daddy and.... Keep them safe from harm and help me to show them how much I love them. Amen.
If you would like more of these leaflets or any information about Christianity or if you have any further questions about being a Godparent or anything else please contact me.
The Rev’d. Rob Mellowship
The Rectory, High Road, Bressingham, Diss,
01379 688267 robmellowship@msn.com