& THANKSGIVINGBAPTISM

Thanksgiving and Blessing: 

The minister says:Do you receive these children as a gift from God? We do.

Do you wish to give thanks to God and seek his blessing? We do.

The minister says:God our creator, we thank you for the wonder of new life and for the mystery of human love. We thank you for all whose support and skill surround and sustain the beginning of life. We thank you that we are known to you by name and loved by you from all eternity. We thank you for Jesus Christ, who has opened to us the way of love. We praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.All: Blessed be God for ever.

The minister may say for each child:What name have you given this child?

A parent or supporting friend replies:His/her name is N.

The minister may take the child.The minister says:As Jesus took children in his arms and blessed them,so now we ask God's blessing on N.

Heavenly Father, we praise you for his/her birth; surround him/her with your blessing that he/she may know your love, be protected from evil, and know your goodness all his/her days.

When all the children have been prayed for :All: May they learn to love all that is true, grow in wisdom and strength and, in due time, come through faith and baptism to the fullness of your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The minister prays for the parents...

Giving of the Gospel: Receive this book. It is the good news of God's love. Take it as the word of God, your authority, the gospel of salvation and guide for life.

The minister may address the supporting friends and say:Will you do all that you can to help and support X and Y in the bringing up of Z?With the help of God, we will.

The minister may address the wider family and friends:Will you do all that you can to help and support this family?With the help of God, we will.

This prayer is to be said by the parents:God our creator, we thank you for the gift of these children entrusted to our care. May we be patient and understanding, ready to guide and to forgive, so that through our love and teaching they may come to know your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

General prayers will follow...

What now?Have a think about which service might be most appropriate for you. If you're not sure, why not do the 4 week course to get a better understanding of what's involved?,

The next step is to come along to church (10:30am Sunday morning), otherwise do feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.

Revd Chris Slater: (0151) 645 1622email: slater.cr@btinternet.com

St Peter's Church, St Peter's Rd, Rock Ferry CH42 1PY (0151 643 1042).

www.stpetersrockferry.org.uk

Thank you for your enquiry.We are delighted that you are considering the baptism of your child. This leaflet will explain the options available to you.

1. ThanksgivingThis is an opportunity to thank God for the gift of your child/ren, acknowledging that they are from him, given to you to care for. During the thanksgiving there is also an opportunity to name your child/ren, publicly and for your supporters, the congregation and yourself to ask for God’s blessing and help as you seek to fulfill the role he has called you to as parent/s.

You can see the content of the thanksgiving on the page opposite. Thanksgivings take place during the monthly family service and require a brief preparation session.

2. BaptismYou will probably have heard of Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story films. In the first film, his owner 'Andy' wrote his name on Buzz's foot, as he had done on Woody the cowboy previously. This identified Buzz as belonging to Andy, and showed that he had a rightful place amongst the rest of the toys. Baptism is a little bit like that. It is an outward mark of belonging to God, and being a member of God’s family through faith in Jesus.

Baptism (sometimes called Christening), is about taking God at his word. The bible records one of the disciples, Peter, announcing: 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children.'

So here's the thing, if you are part of God's people through trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, then you can claim God's promise that its also for your children (something they can later affirm at their Confirmation), God works in families.

Baptism depends on the faith of parents and godparents then, which is why they are called to declare their faith and make solemn promises to God and the church (highlighted overleaf). Because of this, we want to do right by you by taking the time to explain what the Christian faith is all about, and to ensure you fully understand the promises involved. This will take the form of a 4 session course, after which we can think through the next step together.

As baptism is a mark of belonging to the church, if you're not already a regular member, we do ask you to come along and check us out! We’d love to see you. The congregation is warm and welcoming, the services informal, with crèche facilities and childrens' work.

Please read the content of the services opposite and overleaf, and have a think about which option might be for you. It may be that you would like a Thanksgiving first whilst investigating the question of baptism, that's fine, one does not exclude the other.

Baptism:The minister says:Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome these children/candidates and uphold them in their new life in Christ?With the help of God, we will.

At the baptism of children, the president then says to parents and godparentsParents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith.Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faithand walk with them in the way of Christ?With the help of God,we will.

In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today.Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?With the help of God,we will.

The president addresses the candidates directly, or through their parents and godparents.In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?I reject them.Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?I renounce them.Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?I repent of them.Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?I turn to Christ.Do you submit to Christ as Lord?I submit to Christ.Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?I come to Christ.

The president makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate, saying

Christ claims you for his own.Receive the sign of his cross.

The president may invite parents, godparents to sign the candidates with the cross.

Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.

May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen.

Praise God who made heaven and earth,who keeps his promise for ever.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All It is right to give thanks and praise.

Prayer over the water here, then:The president addresses the congregationBrothers and sisters, I ask you to profess together with these candidates the faith of the Church.Do you believe and trust in God the Father?I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Baptism follows in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spiirt.