Jesus came and said to them,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything
that I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28: 18-20
Baptism is perhaps more commonly called Christening, they are the same thing. The word Christening implies what is intended, being marked by God's grace and power, becoming part of Christ's people. Baptism is an ancient term probably including Jewish proselyte Baptism, that is the rite of ritual washing and purification undertaken by non Jewish believers when they joined Judaism. Jesus commanded his followers to 'be baptised' and so we should delight to fulfil that command.
Most baptisms in Anglican churches are for children where parents and godparents say the promises on behalf of the child and then at confirmation they affirm those promises for themselves. Baptism is all about being a follower of Jesus (disciple) it is about accepting God's plans and promises for us and saying 'no' to the alternatives we are encouraged to embrace by the world. In Baptism God embraces us and we embrace him. Like marriage this is meant to be a growing relationship of shared love, joy and hope.
Normally in our churches Baptism is part of the main Sunday service because the baptised are God's family and therefore we need to be there to welcome you in as our brothers and sisters. If you would like to know more we would be delighted to talk to you.
Contact us to send a message or just pop along on a Sunday and say 'Hello! ' You will be very welcome.
For more information click to go to the Church of England Christenings website
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