Baptism

From BPWiki

Introduction

We are glad that you are thinking about Baptism. It is a great opportunity to Celebrate the Gift of God reflected in the Life of your Child.

Baptism is much more than "Christening" and it is certainly more than getting the child 'done'.

Meanings

The important thing about a Baptism is the meaning behind it. It is this meaning that gives the sacrament its purpose. We would hope that you would understand these meanings and treat them seriously, not just seek an 'occasion' for your child. So, here they are …

• Baptism is a moment in which to acknowledge the love of God extended towards your child.
• Some churches only baptise believers, people old enough to have made a decision for faith. Clearly this would, not include a baby - although it is obvious that children DO have a strong faith in the goodness of God. In the Uniting Church we baptise not because of faith, but because God is good and loves your child.
• The other meaning of Baptism is that it is your child's welcome into the Church - not this church in particular, but the worldwide Christian church. In being baptised, he/she becomes a member of the family of God.

We trust that the home you create will be one in which faith is encouraged. Baptism doesn't 'change' your child. There is no 'magic' in being baptised. We cannot know what faith your child will grow to possess. Rather, this is a moment to celebrate what is already there and always will be - an occasion to symbolically, with water, acknowledge God in the life of your precious child.

Baptism of little children, of infants used to be called "Christening". Today it is 'Infant Baptism', indicating that it is no different to what happens when an adult is baptised - God's grace and love are acknowledged and celebrated in a person's life.

Next Steps

At Brougham Place Baptism takes place as part of our regular Sunday morning worship(usually on the Second Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m.). If the above describes what you would want to celebrate in bringing your child to be baptised, please feel welcomed! Please contact the Church Office to enquire about an appropriate sunday for the Baptism. Details will be recorded in our office and then you would make an appointment to discuss your child's baptism including the Order of Service with the Minister Rev Ken Anderson.