Baptism A Message from the Rector For many centuries parents who have counted themselves members of the Christian Church have brought their children to be baptised.  When a child is baptised (or Christened, both words mean the same thing) s/he is welcomed into the household of God and made a member of the church.  It is the start of a journey. The people who were baptised in the time of Jesus were adults.  In the earliest days of the church only adults were baptised, and adult baptism is still the custom in some Christian traditions.  However, as time passed, parents asked that their children might also be baptised and this custom was established.  Children were baptised on the understanding that their parents would bring them up in the faith of Christ. The church baptises babies and young children aware that the parents and Godparents will not always be fully involved in the life of the church – but on the understanding that parents and Godparents take seriously the opening of the life of the child to the touch of God.  We especially welcome parents, Godparents and children to the Christingle service in December and to the Mothering Sunday service in the spring.  In the baptism service parents and Godparents promise to bring up the child to follow Jesus, and to show him/her the right way to live by their own example.  The child receives the love and shared faith of the whole people of God. Will you baptise my baby?   This is a question often asked and the answer is yes, if you live in the parish of St Giles’ Cripplegate and St Luke’s Old Street.  You can check the parish boundaries by phoning the Administrator at the Parish Office. When will the baptism take place? Baptisms take place at 10am Parish Eucharist How do you arrange a baptism? We like to meet you.  You need to complete an application form available from the Administrator at the Parish Office and the Rector will arrange to visit you. How much does it cost? There is no charge for a baptism, but as in all our services a collection is taken which is an opportunity for you to give to the work of the church.  A prayer for your child God of love, May this child grow to love, to worship and serve you And bring life and joy to the world. Amen THE BAPTISM SERVICE  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All:              And also with you.  Minister to parents and Godparents:                     By what name do you want this child known?  Minister to child:           May your name forever be written on the palm of God’s hand                     and in the book of life.  Faith is the gift of God to his people.  In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling.  People of God, will you welcome this child and uphold him/her in his/her new life in Christ? All:              With the help of God, we will. THE DECISION The Minister addresses the child through his/her parents, Godparents and sponsors                    Therefore I ask: Do you turn to Christ?                     I turn to Christ                    Do you repent of your sins?                     I repent of my sins.                      Do you renounce evil?                     I renounce evil.  SIGNING WITH THE CROSS The Minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the child, saying: Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.  Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified. All:              Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ, against sin, the world and the devil,                     and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.  Amen.  PRAYER OVER THE WATER                    Praise God who made heaven and earth All:              who keeps his promise for ever.                      Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All:              It is right to give thanks and praise.  Loving God, bless this water for our use in baptism, and bless the life of this child.  Walk with him/her through good times and through times of change to the end of his/her life.     Amen.  PROFESSION OF FAITH Let us affirm, together with these who are being baptized, our common faith in Jesus Christ.    Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist? All:              I believe and trust in him.  Do you believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again? All:              I believe and trust in him.  Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world. All:              I believe and trust in him.  This is the faith of the Church. All:              This is our faith.  We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  BAPTISM                     N, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All:              Amen.  May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. All:              Amen. N Today God has touched you with his love and given you a place among his people.  God promises to be with you in joy and in sorrow, to be your guide in life, and to bring you safely to heaven. In baptism God invites you on a life-long journey.  Together with all God’s people you must explore the way of Jesus and grow in friendship with God, in love for his people, and in serving others. With us you will listen to the word of God and receive the gifts of God.     Amen.  THE LORD’S PRAYER As our Saviour taught us, so we pray All:              Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.  Amen.       WELCOME There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism: N, by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body. All:              We welcome you into the fellowship of faith; we are children of the same heavenly Father; we welcome you. THE GIVING OF A LIGHTED CANDLE God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light.  You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life. All:              Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father. BLESSING May the God of hope fill us with the joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. All:              Amen. We wish to keep in touch with children who are baptized at St Giles' and we habitually send a card each year on the anniversary of baptism, for five years. If possible, consider bringing your child to the Sunday Club in the Church during the sunday morning 10 a.m. services