Baptisms / Naming Ceremonies

For baptisms, an interview is arranged with you so that I can explain what is involved, that is that baptism is a sacrament of the Church.  A child who is baptised is baptised into the membership of the general Christian church.   You do not necessarily have to be a church-goer yourself/yourselves but you do have to promise to teach the Christian faith to your child as part of the Church's requirements of receiving this sacrament.

Baptisms can be performed at any time of life and I am happy to discuss adult baptism with you.

A naming ceremony is a non-religious event and is a way of celebrating the birth and acknowledging the name that parents have chosen for the child.

I am happy to celebrate at either of these ceremonies in the venue of your choice.

 

Here are some examples of infant baptism ceremonies:

Gently, as if

I baptize. . ." I begin

passing treasured, fragile

and think of Anna of

china dolls, they hand

old Simeon, lifting up

their babies to me

a blushing Mary's baby

there across the words

all awash in wonder

that make the time

to be holding God in hand.

I splash the water

 

and look down

The God - who never tires

for recognition

of birthing love in

 

this tired world came

I try to read those eyes to see if

once, a child.

something's there in

I hold above the water

innocence that none yet

these new promises

has taken note of,

that same God makes

something special from that

to my world and wonder

other side of being -

if God's come again

birth; a message

 

for us gathered

Daniel 1-1. Evans

round a bowl of water

 

and some ancient words.

 

Baptism of an Infant

In baptism Christ received old and young alike.  It is written in the Gospels:

"They brought children for him to touch; and the disciples scolded them for it.   But when Jesus saw this he was indignant, and said to them;
 
"Let the children come to me;  do not try to stop them;  for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you, whoever does not accept the kingdom like a child will never enter it."

And he put his arms round then, laid his hands upon them, and blessed them."

You, the parents of this child have, according to the measure of your faith, brought him/her to be baptized.

THE BAPTISM

Little child, for you Jesus Christ has come, has lived, has suffered, for you, he has endured the agony of Gethsemane and the darkness of Calvary; for you, he has uttered the cry, 'It is accomplished!'  For you, he has triumphed over death; for you, he prays at God's right hand; all for you, little child, even though you do not know it.   In baptism, the word of the apostle is fulfilled: 'We love, because God first loved us.'

(child's name) , I baptise you in the name and Spirit of God the Creator who gives us life; of Jesus the Christ and Redeemer who gives us life; of the Holy Spirit who dwells within and gives us life.

May the grace and the love of God surround and bless you all the days of your life.   Amen.

(child's name), from this day on the sign of the cross is upon you.

(child's name) is now received into the holy universal Church according to Christ's command.

THE AARONIC BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

RESPONSES: (Parent(s) name), I ask you now to respond to God's graciousness to (child's name) by making these solemn promises:

Will you provide for your child a Christona home of love and trust?

(parents say:) With god's help we will.

Will you set before (child's name) the example of a Christian life, and will you pray that he/she will learn the way of Christ?

(parents say:) With God's help, we will.

Will you encourage your child to grow within the fellowship of the Church, so that he/she may come to faith in Christ?

(parents say:) With Gods help, we will.

BAPTISM CANDLE IS PRESENTED

(Child's name)  You belong to Christ, the light of the world

 (Child's name), may you always walk as a child of the light.  Let you light so shine before the world, that all may see your good works, and give glory to God.

The blessing of God almighty, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, be upon you and remain with you always amen.

Naming ceremonies follow much the same format, but do not have references to the Church and/or religion.  This is entirely flexible and I'd be happy to discuss with you what you would like to have.