The Riverside Parishes
HURWORTH
LOW DINSDALE
GIRSBY
THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN THE DIOCESE OF DURHAM
Baptisms
To bring a new life into the world is both a great privilege and also an immense responsibility. It’s that awareness that leads many people to want to express their gratitude to God. However there’s much more to baptism than saying thank you to God.Baptism is a sign of belonging – to God, through his son, Jesus Christ and to his people, the Church.Baptism is an important step in deciding that you want your child to belong to the family of God. It’s the first step on what we hope will be a journey of faith which we pray will become increasingly important to your child.
Preparing the Way
Before taking on any commitment you need to know what’s involved – that applies to baptism as much as to anything else. You can be baptized at any age; adult baptism is a public declaration, a pledge, of personal faith in Jesus Christ. Adult candidates are asked to make a public statement of their belief and trust in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and to make certain promises. At infant Baptism, these promises are made on their behalf by parents and Godparents.
Parents and Godparents
Parents and Godparents play a central role in the baptism of a child. It is a good idea to check that your chosen Godparents feel able to make the promises before others in public.
When do baptisms take place?
Baptisms take place during our Family Service, which is usually on the 4rd Sunday of the month at 10.30 am. As we welcome a child into the family of God, it makes sense to have members of the whole church family present at the celebration. The whole congregation then promises to support you and your family in helping you bring up your child in the Christian faith and to pray for you.
Thanksgiving Service
If parents or Godparents feel unable at this stage to make the promises and commitments involved, we are pleased to offer as an alternative a service of Thanksgiving.