HOLY BAPTISM
Christening / Baptism
Christening and baptism are just different names for the same service. Christening refers to the 'chrism' oil used for anointing at the service. Baptism literally means 'drenching' with water. Baptism marks an entry into membership of the Christian Church. When parents decide to have a baby christened, it implies they want to bring up the child as a Christian. As in the early Church, baptism is also open to adults, in which case it is usually performed at a confirmation service by the bishop. You can only be baptized once! Details about baptism in the Church of England can be found at www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/baptismconfirm.html
What is Christian Baptism?
Baptism with water is a gift of love from God for his people, and like the bread and wine of communion was given to the church by Jesus himself. He was baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, and he said we all need to be born again in order to enter into life with God. Baptism is about being born again into God’s family, but it is also the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. Parents and godparents promise to encourage and guide their children so that they may grow in their understanding of the Christian faith, and when they grow up they will be able to reaffirm that faith in confirmation, which was originally the second part of the same service. In the Bible, Jesus says that believers enter the Kingdom of God. This is not only the state we hope to enter on death, but begins now. In baptism we enter God’s eternal Kingdom. We continue our relationship with God through prayer and worship with other Christians. It is a life where we put God at the centre. Parents and godparents have a special role in teaching the children to pray, coming with them to worship, and reminding them of the significance of their baptism. In walking with a child on their spiritual journey, they will gain insights for their own journey
Can we have the service in the Upper Itchen Benefice?
Baptism usually takes place in your local parish church, but we have six and if you live in any of the six parishes you are welcome to choose Beauworth, Bramdean, Cheriton, Hinton Ampner, Kilmeston or Tichborne for your child to be baptized. If you do not live in the benefice nor habitually attend one of the churches, then we can put you in touch with your local church. If you would still like the baptism in one of these churches then we will need to get permission from your local church before doing the baptism, this usually only happens if there is a strong link with these parishes or some other good reason.
What if I don't usually go to church?
At the baptism parents and godparents make promises, which will be explained to you before the day. Parents bringing a child for baptism promise to bring the child up ‘within the life and worship of Christ’s church’. You might want to ask yourself if this is the moment to deepen your own spiritual life. The decision on baptism is up to the parents; we will explain the promises, but we won’t ‘test’ you or judge you. Sometimes parents simply want to give thanks for the birth of their child, and to celebrate the new life, but do not want baptism, maybe because they cannot make the promises in good conscience, or so that their children can choose for themselves when they are older. In this case there is a service called Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child that we can offer.
What if we are not married, or are divorced, or a one parent family?
We make no distinction, but will support you on this important day in the life of your child. But we make no apologies for the challenges of the gospel which may emerge as you seek to engage more fully with Jesus Christ!
When will the service be?
Baptisms are usually on a Sunday and they generally take place in a Family Service at one of the churches, where people of all ages feel most comfortable. This is because it is ‘public baptism’ and is about entry into God’s family who are there to welcome your child. Baptisms are usually booked 2 to 3 months in advance, as we need to plan the service into the schedule which is quite complex. Occasionally some alternatives can be offered.
How do I arrange a Baptism?
As soon as you are thinking of getting your child baptized, you should make contact to discuss the procedure and arrange a suitable date. The earlier you make contact the more likely you are to have the baptism in the month you prefer. The first step is to contact The Rector or Benefice Secretary. Families are then visited to arrange the date and organize the preparation. An adult considering baptism should make contact with the Rector
Baptism Preparation
Parents will need to meet for baptism preparation prior to the service and may like to think of a hymn to be sung and perhaps to write a prayer to help personalize the occasion. We usually arrange a brief rehearsal so everyone including the child is familiar with what is going to happen. Families are welcome to become involved in the service: other children can participate by bringing up the candle, jug with water and the baptism shell.
What is the service like?
Family Service with Baptism lasts about 45 minutes and there may two or three children to be baptized. The service is quite simple and informal but includes hymns/songs with some brief teaching. Children are very welcome and activities will include them. We will visit you before the service to talk in more detail about what happens. You can find the service at http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/initiation/ baptism.html There are four main symbols used during the service: the Sign of the Cross, the mark of Jesus, is made on the forehead, and the link is made with Christ for ever. the threefold Pouring of the Water of baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a sign of new life in the Risen Lord and of the cleansing of the past. the Anointing with olive oil blessed by the bishop, reminding us of the wider Church to which we now belong, and of the special calling of a Christian. the Baptismal Candle reminding us of the light of Christ, and that Christians live in his light.
What about godparents?
Godparents make promises with the parents, for the child and for themselves. They should be adults and all baptized. Godparents should be people who will be around for your children, and able to help them as they grow and learn, especially to help them grow in faith. Normally there should be one godparent of each sex, plus an extra one who is the same sex as the child, but there may be more.
Can we take pictures/videos?
Photography and videos are not encouraged during the service as they can be very intrusive. However, there is usually plenty of time for family photos after the service when the families are invited to stay for refreshments so they can meet the church family. The priest will usually pose for a picture if asked.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for baptism – God’s gift is free to all, and we do not expect any fee. There is a collection during or after the service and you, like the entire congregation, are invited to make a donation
What happens later?
To help parents nurture the child’s spiritual journey there is a Family Service in one of the churches most Sundays and an annual Thanksgiving for Baptism service. The benefice also provides courses for adult enquirers.
Confirmation
We encourage adults and young people who are ready to make their own faith commitment to join a group to prepare for Confirmation by the bishop which usually takes place in the late spring or early summer. This is the 2006 group after the service at Cheriton which was led by the Bishop of Basingstoke.