baptisms
The birth or adoption of a baby is a significant step in the life of a family
or
individual, and many parents want to mark this occasion in a significant
way.
We
offer two ceremonies to new parents. Thanksgiving for the birth of
a child
and Baptism.
Thanksgiving for the birth of a child is, as it says, an opportunity
to give
thanks in public for one of the greatest gifts, the responsibility
for the
start of another's life. Some parents choose this beginning for their
children's spiritual life because they feel baptism is a decision their
child
should make for themselves in later years.
Baptism (sometimes called christening) is the initiation ceremony for
Christians, where the child or adult becomes part of the church, the
Body of
Christ, and the parents promise to follow the way of Jesus as an active
part of
the Christian Community.
Our understanding is that baptism, like marriage, is
a significant
commitment to a new way of life.
If you
honestly want to thank God for your child, or seek to dedicate your
child and
yourself to God's work in the world, we would love to help you do that.
Baptisms
are usually held on the third Sunday of the month, during our 10am
service, and there is no charge. We need around two to three months
preparation
time, where we have a chance to get to know you, and you can reflect
on the
baptism or thanksgiving. It is important for the congregation to be
present,
because in the Uniting Church the people share the Godparent role of
assisting
you in the Christian upbringing of your child. All of your family and
friends
are most welcome to join you. Sometimes we will baptise or give thanks
for
another child on that day, but no more than two families will be involved.