Thanksgivings & baptisms
A new baby brings joy to any family and many families want to mark that very special event with a celebration in church.
Here at Holy Trinity we welcome enquiries about Christenings. Normally you must either be resident in the parish or be registered on the church electoral roll.
There are two services available: Baptism or Thanksgiving
What is a thanksgiving?
If you want to give thanks to God for your child and to ask for God’s blessing on them and your family life, then a thanksgiving could be for you.
A thanksgiving is a joyful event that takes place on Sunday morning at Holy Trinity. There are prayers of thanksgiving for the baby, some words for the parents to say, and the Vicar takes the child into his arms and prays for them.
Jesus did something very similar in the Bible and that’s why we do it today.
The promises The parents promise to care for their children and to pray for them as they grow up.
Please phone the church office on 01737 766604 or email us if you would like to arrange a thanksgiving for your child.
What is a Baptism?
If you want to bring your child up in the Christian faith as a member of the family of the church, then, a BAPTISM could be for you. Baptism is a joyful event that takes place during the morning service at Holy Trinity.
Since the very beginning of the Christian Faith, people have been baptised to show that they want to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and be part of his family, the church.
Children too young to declare their own faith are baptised on the understanding that they are brought up as members of the family of the church and that when they are old enough they will declare their own faith at a service of confirmation.
The promises At a baptism service the parents speak for the child and make promises about how they will bring their child up and their own faith. For parents who wish to have their child baptised our baptism preparation course (see below) will help you get the most out of the baptism.
Holy Trinity Baptism Course
A lively look at the heart of the Christian Faith
- No prior knowledge necessary
- Everyone welcome
- Say as little or as much as you like
What’s involved?
Three sessions spread over three weeks. Each session takes place during the 9.15am or 4pm service at Holy Trinity.
The sessions are based on a video ‘Who is this Jesus.’ (A fourth sesion looking at the baptism service takes place during a home visit).
There is a supervised crèche for children under 3 and older Sunday school groups for children aged 3-17 available during each session.
Please phone the church office on 01737 766604 or email us if you would like to arrange a baptism for your child.