You are probably reading this because you want the church to help you to celebrate the gift of a child. Children are a precious gift, and the church is delighted to celebrate their life with you. We want you to be able to celebrate the gift of a child in a way that is right for you. That is why we give you a choice of two types of service to mark the occasion. This leaflet is designed to let you know about these choices, and to help you decide which is right for you.

Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child 
This special service is a wonderful way of gathering friends and family together to welcome and celebrate the gift of a child. It involves thanking God for the child’s life, blessing the child by name, and expressing hope for the child’s future. There is also a role for Sponsors (similar to godparents) who promise to help the parents as they bring up the child.

Baptism
This is a once in a life time service of initiation into the Christian Church. It involves pouring water over the child’s head as a sign of cleansing and new life in Christ. It also involves the parents and godparents making a public faith commitment to follow Christ in their own lives and to encourage the child to follow Christ as they get older. It is important that parents and godparents feel comfortable making these promises.

Godparents (applies to Baptism only)
To be a godparent is a privilege, a responsibility and a challenge. Godparents make the same promises as do the child’s parents.  They declare their own belief and trust in God and in Jesus Christ, and promise that, by prayer and example, they will lead their godchild into the same faith.

Who can be godparents and how many does my child need?
Any friend or relative who has agreed to take on this responsibility can be a godparent provided they themselves are Christians. All godparents must themselves have been baptised and, ideally, should also have been confirmed into the Christian faith. 
There is no limit to the number of godparents your child can have. It should normally be a minimum of 3 - two of the same gender as the child and one of the other.  Thus a girl would usually have two godmothers and one godfather and a boy one godmother and two godfathers. It is possible for a parent to be a godparent, as long as there is at least one other.

Sponsors (optional for Thanksgiving)
If you decide that baptism is not for you at this time, you can still invite particular friends and family to undertake a special role to help you bring up your child.  Being a sponsor is a huge responsibility and privilege, so as with godparents, you will want to choose carefully. We would suggest that your child have at least one male and one female sponsor.

The table below sets out the similarities and differences between the two services.

Please arrange a date for your service with us  before you make any other plans.

1. Contact the Team Co-ordinator, Liz Markham, either by telephone (440265) or email (elizabeth.markham1@ntlworld.com). Initially, all we need is your name, address and telephone number.
2. You will then be invited to come to one of our monthly Family Meetings where you will meet one of the Clergy and a member of our Baptism Team who will explain your options and ask you to consider which service you feel is right for you and your child. You will not be able to book a date prior to attending this meeting.
3. Once you have attended this meeting and decided whether you want a Thanksgiving service or a Baptism service, you should contact the Team Co-ordinator, Liz Markham by telephone (440265) to arrange a suitable date for the service. You may also arrange a date, after attending the meeting, by calling at the Team Office on a Saturday morning between 10am and 12 noon.
4. In all cases, the final decision upon the time and date of baptisms or thanksgiving services rests with the Clergy.
5. When the booking has been confirmed the minister responsible for the service will contact you to arrange to visit you

   Thanksgivings and Baptisms are sometimes incorporated into Sunday morning services. This is a guide only.

   St. Dionysius - Alternate 2nd Sunday in the month

   St. Nicholas Alternate 1st & 3rd Sundays

   St. Hugh - 2nd Sunday in the month

   All Saints 1st Sunday in the month

   St Peter & St Paul    Alternate 1st & 3rd Sundays

   In addition Baptism Services are held monthly at 12.30pm as follows:
   St. Dionysius           1st Sunday
   St. Nicholas             2nd Sunday

6. We do NOT charge a fee for baptisms or thanks givings. However, a collection plate is made available at the Service for donations for the work of the church. We also enclose a gift aid envelope with your information pack if you wish to make a donation.

Adult Baptism
Please contact the clergy for information