BaptismResources for infant baptism
Baptising a little snoozy baby, like little Estelle here, is easy. She just lay calmly in my arms and then smiled sweetly at everyone - utterly gorgeous. But what about a lively squirming 9-month-old, or a boistrous toddler? I have found this year that floating something in the water, and allowing the kid to splash in the font, has created magic moments. Last Sunday the font was surrounded by keen young children, who found it hilarious watching little Charlie's enthusiastic delight as he splashed water everywhere (while the parents quickly found a towel!). I got the kids to all hold hands while I prayed a prayer of blessing, but their laughter was such a holy sound, and every adult in the church was grinning - an amazing sense of the presence of God in their delight.
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A service of baptism
(Prior to the baptism we normally include a Creed of some kind, and the Minister says some words about the meaning of baptism)
Baptism Promises Family come forward
Family pour water (warm) into the font
Have towel ready
Minister: ... (parents), do you bring ... to be baptized, giving thanks to God for the precious gift of this child?
Parents: Yes, we do
Minister: Do you believe and trust in God your heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ, and, renouncing evil, claim the life of the Holy Spirit for .. and for yourselves?
Parents: Yes, we do
(I omit this question if the family are not confident of their personal faith)
Minister: Do you commit to being wise and loving parents (and grandparents if present) for .., caring for him, teaching him the ways of truth, and enabling him to learn about Jesus Christ?
Family: Yes, we do
Minister: Do you commit to build your home on God’s love, giving honour to God by loving and forgiving each other and offering hospitality and kindness to others?
Family: Yes, we do
Godparents:
Minister: ..., you have the sacred honour of being ... Godparents. Do you accept this responsibility? Do you commit yourselves: to support ... (parents) in their parenting, to pray for ... and to be there for him/her as she/he grows up, whatever lies ahead?
Godparents: Yes, we do
Charge to the People:
I charge you, the people of this congregation of Cashmere Church, to sustain a life of worship and service, so that new generations may grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the knowledge and love of God. Will you live out your baptism as a loving community in Christ, nurturing ... and all children, upholding one another in prayer, and encouraging one another in service?
Congregation: We will
Baptism standing at the Font. Minister holds the baby.
Almighty and everlasting God, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, was himself baptized by John in the river Jordan. After his death on the cross he rose to everlasting life, pouring out upon his people his life giving Spirit. Send down your Holy Spirit upon this water, that ... who receives this sacrament may be born again of water and the Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory.
Nn nn nn , we baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. You are a new creation in Christ.
And so now may the blessing of God, the mercy and grace of God, the eternal goodwill of God, fill you and remain with you forever. Amen
Blessing Prayer for the family & child (family & supporters gather around)
Presentation: child's Bible, Baptism Certificate. Elder lights the candle from the central candle and brings it to the family.
.., you belong to Christ, the light of the world. May you always walk as a child of the light! Let your light so shine before the world that all may see your good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Elder: Congratulations, and welcome to Cashmere Presbyterian Church.
Messages
The family are welcome to share a reading, blessing, poem, and any messages from people not able to be present
Baptism Promises Family come forward
Family pour water (warm) into the font
Have towel ready
Minister: ... (parents), do you bring ... to be baptized, giving thanks to God for the precious gift of this child?
Parents: Yes, we do
Minister: Do you believe and trust in God your heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ, and, renouncing evil, claim the life of the Holy Spirit for .. and for yourselves?
Parents: Yes, we do
(I omit this question if the family are not confident of their personal faith)
Minister: Do you commit to being wise and loving parents (and grandparents if present) for .., caring for him, teaching him the ways of truth, and enabling him to learn about Jesus Christ?
Family: Yes, we do
Minister: Do you commit to build your home on God’s love, giving honour to God by loving and forgiving each other and offering hospitality and kindness to others?
Family: Yes, we do
Godparents:
Minister: ..., you have the sacred honour of being ... Godparents. Do you accept this responsibility? Do you commit yourselves: to support ... (parents) in their parenting, to pray for ... and to be there for him/her as she/he grows up, whatever lies ahead?
Godparents: Yes, we do
Charge to the People:
I charge you, the people of this congregation of Cashmere Church, to sustain a life of worship and service, so that new generations may grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the knowledge and love of God. Will you live out your baptism as a loving community in Christ, nurturing ... and all children, upholding one another in prayer, and encouraging one another in service?
Congregation: We will
Baptism standing at the Font. Minister holds the baby.
Almighty and everlasting God, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, was himself baptized by John in the river Jordan. After his death on the cross he rose to everlasting life, pouring out upon his people his life giving Spirit. Send down your Holy Spirit upon this water, that ... who receives this sacrament may be born again of water and the Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory.
Nn nn nn , we baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. You are a new creation in Christ.
And so now may the blessing of God, the mercy and grace of God, the eternal goodwill of God, fill you and remain with you forever. Amen
Blessing Prayer for the family & child (family & supporters gather around)
Presentation: child's Bible, Baptism Certificate. Elder lights the candle from the central candle and brings it to the family.
.., you belong to Christ, the light of the world. May you always walk as a child of the light! Let your light so shine before the world that all may see your good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Elder: Congratulations, and welcome to Cashmere Presbyterian Church.
Messages
The family are welcome to share a reading, blessing, poem, and any messages from people not able to be present