Baptism Service
Water
During the baptism of your child, water is poured on your child’s head. This outward sign symbolises inward cleansing and deliverance from sin, death and the devil.
Words
The minister will pour water over your child’s head with the words, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”.
Cross
The minister, and sometimes the godparents, will sign the child’s forehead with the sign of the cross. This shows that your child is “marked as Christ’s own forever” and part of God’s family.
Candle
A candle may then be lit as a sign of the life of Christ within us, who is the Light of the World.
Putting your faith into practice
Choosing your child’s godparents or sponsors is an important decision. Try to choose people who will nurture your child’s faith and encourage them as they grow up. Your child’s godparents will speak on behalf of your child at the baptism service and promise in front of God and the congregation to support and encourage the child as a member of God’s family.
Godparents are asked to accept the responsibilities placed upon them in bringing the child for baptism, to answer on behalf of the child and to encourage them in the life and faith of the Christian community by their own prayers and example.
On the day of the baptism, you might like to help celebrate with a party or give a present, such as a children’s translation of the Bible or a child’s book of prayers.
After the baptism
Pray daily for your godchild and their families. Set an example of a life trusting God. Go to church with them. Encourage them on their journey of faith. Suggest different ways they can become involved in their spiritual growth Read the Bible to them or with them.
Say Grace with them when sharing a meal. Encourage them to affirm their faith publicly when they become old enough to do so for themselves.
During the baptism of your child, water is poured on your child’s head. This outward sign symbolises inward cleansing and deliverance from sin, death and the devil.
Words
The minister will pour water over your child’s head with the words, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”.
Cross
The minister, and sometimes the godparents, will sign the child’s forehead with the sign of the cross. This shows that your child is “marked as Christ’s own forever” and part of God’s family.
Candle
A candle may then be lit as a sign of the life of Christ within us, who is the Light of the World.
Putting your faith into practice
- As your child begins life as one of Christ’s own, they need you as parents to nurture them in this faith.
- As you begin this calling, here are some ideas and suggestions.
- Remember that your child’s life of faith is not just yours to shape: It is the work of God. You are called to be a loving and forgiving presence as the Holy Spirit works in your child to bring forth the “fruits of the Spirit” [Galatians 5:22-23].
- Tell the story! Read the story of Jesus and other Bible stories. Through the stories, help your child to know Jesus as a friend.
- Set an example: Love as God loves – unconditionally! Let your child know in every possible way that worth and identity are gifts of God, because we are made in His image.
- Remember you are not alone. You have your child’s godparents, members of the church, the Bible, and most of all, the presence of Christ, who will “never leave you or forsake you.”
- You can celebrate your child’s baptism anniversary. Light the baptism candle and share memories, prayers and the scripture.
- You can teach faith in daily events. Make the sign of the cross on the forehead of your child during a bath or as you say prayers at night. When you wrap your child in a towel, speak of being ‘wrapped in Jesus’ love’. When your child is sick, pray and make the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead.
- Worship with your child. Bring your child to join in worship and maybe go to Sunday school or other opportunities.
- Practice acts of Christian love together as a family – visit the elderly, help with feeding programs or care for the earth.
- Remember to thank God daily for all of God’s gifts – the gift of creation; the wonder of forgiveness and new life in Christ; the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and the precious gift of your child. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such as these belongs the Kingdom of God.” [Mark 10: 13-16]
Choosing your child’s godparents or sponsors is an important decision. Try to choose people who will nurture your child’s faith and encourage them as they grow up. Your child’s godparents will speak on behalf of your child at the baptism service and promise in front of God and the congregation to support and encourage the child as a member of God’s family.
Godparents are asked to accept the responsibilities placed upon them in bringing the child for baptism, to answer on behalf of the child and to encourage them in the life and faith of the Christian community by their own prayers and example.
On the day of the baptism, you might like to help celebrate with a party or give a present, such as a children’s translation of the Bible or a child’s book of prayers.
After the baptism
Pray daily for your godchild and their families. Set an example of a life trusting God. Go to church with them. Encourage them on their journey of faith. Suggest different ways they can become involved in their spiritual growth Read the Bible to them or with them.
Say Grace with them when sharing a meal. Encourage them to affirm their faith publicly when they become old enough to do so for themselves.