Jesus said, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’
Baptism is the simple action of pouring water over the head of a child or adult in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is the first steps of Christian faith. Through baptism we are ‘Born Again’ into the family of the Church.
The first Christians baptized in rivers, they believed that fresh running water was important, but they also recognised that where there was no river the pouring of water was the same sign. Most of the first Christians were baptized as adults, but the Church also taught that Jesus welcomed children. So Christian parents brought their whole families to baptism, making promises on their behalf.
The words we use at baptism today make the same assumption - that parents and godparents are practising Christians who will bring their children to church on a regular basis, pray with them and for them and help them grow in faith. This is what you and the godparents will promise before God.
However we also believe that at baptism God meets with the child in a special way through the Holy Spirit – every baptism is a miracle. So even if you are unsure about your own commitment to faith we are happy to discuss how we can share that blessing with your family.
Baptism services are available on the second Sunday of the month at 10am in our interactive Family Eucharist, or on the first Sunday of the month at 12 noon or 1 pm.
If you are not a regular churchgoer and would like to talk about Baptism we invite you to come to one of our All Age Eucharists at 10am so you can meet the All Saints Family and Father Eddie the Vicar.
You can find out more about preparing for Christian Baptism here.