We are really pleased that you are enquiring about baptism (christening) for your baby or child.
The first step you need to take is to come along to some of our Sunday services. We do understand that coming to church for the first time, especially with babies or young children, may feel a daunting experience. If you are planning to come along then do give me a call a couple of days before and we will make sure that there is someone to welcome you and put you at your ease.
You and your children are every welcome to attend any service in our churches but there are a number of services arranged especially with families in mind that you might prefer:
- St Peter’s Welford – 11am on the 3rd and 4th Sunday
- St Swithin’s, Lower Quinton – 11am on the 1st Sunday of the month
- St James the Great, Long Marston – 11am on the 3rd Sunday of the month
- Meon Vale Village Hall – 4-5.30pm on the 1st Saturday of every month (from Sept 2016)
In a baptism service you do make promises that you are a Christian and that you will help your child to grow in their Christian faith until they are old enough to make the decision to be a Christian for themselves. That’s why we ask you to come to church first as it will help you as a family in your journey of faith as you discover and begin to worship God alongside other Christians.
If you live in our Benefice, have started worshipping with us for a couple of weeks and are committed to helping your child begin their journey of faith, the next step is for you to come to a ‘We Welcome You’ session that lasts for about 1 ½ hrs. It’s a great opportunity to explore the Christian faith with others in a relaxed environment and also an opportunity to get to know other young families.
The Church of England strongly recommends that you should have your child baptised in the parish in which you live. If you are unsure which one that is, then please give me a call and I will help you to find out. It may be that your local church is nearer to you and they will be just as welcoming and friendly to you and your family as those in our Benefice.
A useful resource is the Church of England Christenings website
I look forward to sharing this journey with you – Revd Ros Greenhalgh (Rector) – and can I ask that you complete this contact form below to help you plan your child’s baptism.