Baptisms
We joyfully celebrate baptisms at Christ Church Biddulph Moor, embracing individuals of all ages into the family of God. Whether you're considering baptism for yourself, your child, or a loved one, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Baptism, also known as christening, is a sacrament in which a person is welcomed into the Christian faith. It's a symbolic act of cleansing and rebirth, representing the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship.
at Christ Church
What are Thanksgiving and Baptisms?
Thanksgiving
"Thanksgiving for the gift of a child" is a celebration to mark the birth and naming of your child. We give thanks to God for your child’s new life, and commit both you and the child to God, asking for his help and blessing in the years to come. It is the sort of service that almost anyone who believes in God can stand up and take part in, even if they are not sure what else they believe. It’s a way in which parents can express their gratitude for the birth of the child, and receive God’s blessing on them and the child.
Baptisms
For parents who bring children to be baptised, the service involves making promises before God and the congregation to be a wholehearted follower of Jesus Christ (which includes a commitmentto being part of the church community).
A baptism is also a celebration, often with lots of friends and relatives, but rather more is involved. You and "godparents" make very solemn promises before God which are effectively a public declaration of basic Christian belief involving:
(i)… deciding to turn away from the natural way of doing things, and letting God rule every area of our lives (what the Bible calls "repentance") and
(ii)… deciding to follow Jesus Christ and accept God’s forgiveness made possible by his death on the Cross (this is what the Bible calls choosing to "believe"). The promises and statements you and godparents make cannot be made lightly!
Similarly, we pray and trust that a baptised child will grow up to understand and take on for themselves the promises made in baptism. For this reason, it is important to understand that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong commitment;it is not a one-off event which means that a child is "done"…
How do I know whether Baptism or Thanksgiving is right for me?
If one or both parents are practicing Christians who are part of Christ Church family, then probably a Baptism service is appropriate.
If you want to thank God for the gift of your child, but do not want to make the solemn promises before God and other people that Baptism involves, then the Thanksgiving service is for you. Thanksgiving is also for those who feel they want to acknowledge God and seek his help in the child’s upbringing. Of course, your child can always be baptised later on as well, should you, or the child (when older and able understand the promises made) want this. That is why a lot of committed Christians, too, opt for this service.
Is the Thanksgiving a "second class" Baptism?
Definitely not! The two services are different ways of responding to God’s gift of a child and both are treated by the Church as great occasions. Thanksgivings are a first class alternative and joyfully used by both committed Christians and those who are not. Either way the child’s spiritual status is the same.
Do I have to come to Church?
If you decide to have a Thanksgiving service, this does not imply any ongoing commitment to come to church gatherings. We would love to see you - and you might be surprised by what you find! - but the Thanksgiving does not involve any promises to that effect.
The Church of England Baptism service, by contrast, does include the clear statement by parents and godparents that they will help their children "take their place within the life and worship of the church".
Baptism/Thanksgiving preparation
We hope this information is helpful, but please don't worry if you still have questions! The church is not for perfect people, but for ordinary people like us, who are honest enough to recognise our need of God.
So, before we can consider offering you a date for Baptism or Thanksgiving, we ask you to come along to church, meet with the Vicar on a separate occasion, this will give you an opportunity to hear more about the services from Darren our Vicar. You will also get the chance to ask any questions you may have at this stage.