Baptisms and Thanksgivings for your child

 
We are so pleased you enquired about celebrating the birth of your child and looking to God for blessing in their future.
 
At Frant and Eridge we offer two options for people to welcome their child into our lives and the church; Thanksgiving and Baptism.
 
Have a look at the differences in the service (the words you say are in bold):
 

 
 
Why Thanksgiving?
It may be that the Baptism declarations are not where you are at the moment, or perhaps you would rather have a small thanksgiving with just family, this option might be for you!
 
Thanksgiving services are a wonderful time of celebrating the life of your child and giving thanks to God for them.  It involves the minister holding your child and asking for God’s blessing over them, and the congregation praying for them.
 
If you would like any of your family or friends to be your child’s supporters/sponsors they can be involved in the service too.

Why baptism?
Baptisms happen within our main church services, for your decision is not just between you and God, but about joining our world-wide Christian church family!  When you are baptised, you will be declaring your intention to grow as a member of Christ’s Church.  Being part of a church is vital so we can help and aid each other in our Christian faith.  
We are always delighted to carry out baptisms for regular members of our congregation and for people who live within our parish who come to join us. If you live outside the parish boundaries, you are welcome to join our church, and after you have settled in over a few months as part of our church here we would be happy to have your baptism in our church.  If you can’t do that, we can also get in touch with your local parish church where the baptism can take place. 
As part of the Baptism you as parents affirm your faith in Jesus, and that you are seeking to live according to what God says in the Bible.  Baptism is available to the child of a single parent or a married couple.  It also means that Mother and/or Father must be baptised themselves, or if you would like, you can be baptised at the same time in a family baptism!  Your child’s Godparents must be baptised also.

How much do these services cost?
Nothing!  There is no fee for Baptism or Thanksgiving but there will be an opportunity for you to make an offering.  For those families who are part of the church family here you can give and support the work of the church through regular giving.

What about preparation?
Every parent needs some help in life, and we want to help prepare you, not only for the service but for your life as a parent, looking to God.  This will mean meetings with the rector or one of our team where we can chat about the service and what the promises and declarations mean for you, as well as any questions about the Christian faith and how we can continue to encourage you in your life together.

What’s the next step?
Fill in the application form (linked below) and the rector or one of our team will get back to you about next steps.

I pray every blessing on you as you take this next step in your life.
-Rev Brendan Martin


 
Please click on the links to see the application.