Berkswich Parish Baptism Preparation Evening

Journeying and Pilgrimage There is great meaning in life for those who are willing to journey. ~  Jim England Pilgrimage Life itself is a pilgrimage. Every day is different, every day can have a magic moment. Paulo Coelho

Journeying and Pilgrimage Purpose of life “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Mitch Albom

Baptism Preparation Evening Berkswich Parish Baptism Preparation Evening Welcome

Introduction The Purpose of the evening is to:- Inform you about Baptism Give you some practical information Answer any questions you may have

Who decides? Not the Church. Not the grandparents! The decision is yours. What is our role? To inform To guide

Target Game If you believe it is essential to Baptism put it in the centre. If it is relevant, but not essential, place it away from the centre. If it has nothing to do with Baptism place it on the edge.

Thanksgiving or Baptism? Give thanks for the Birth of your child Invite friends and family to celebrate the birth of your child Can be held at any time by arrangement with the clergy No promises No commitment No expectations No water No candle No Godparents No certificate Not a “baptism without water”!

Thanksgiving or Baptism? Beginning a journey Making promises Affirming belief Committing to bring up children within the Christian faith Making the sign of the cross Water Candle Belonging

Beginning a Journey “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Joey Novick  Like any journey we need resources to cope Physical resources – food, clothing, shelter Purpose and direction – where are we going? Support – help from those who have travelled that way before or a map

Beginning a Journey “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Joey Novick  Like likewise on our journey through life Physical resources – “I was hungry and you gave me food…” Purpose and direction – faith and meaning? Support – Parents, Godparents and the Church

Making promises

Making promises Faith is the gift of God to his people. People of God, will you welcome these children and uphold them in their new life in Christ? With the help of God, we will.  

Making promises Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the Christian community and walk with them on their Christian journey? With the help of God, we will.  

Making promises In baptism, these children begin their journey of faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church? With the help of God, we will.

Making promises

Making promises through which we receive his grace and truth. In baptism we start our journey with Christ, through which we receive his grace and truth. In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. 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

Affirming Belief

Affirming Belief Let us affirm, together with those who are being baptised, our common faith in Jesus Christ.   Do you believe and trust in God, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist? All I believe and trust in God. Do you believe and trust in Jesus Christ, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again? All I believe and trust in Jesus Christ. Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world? All I believe and trust in the Holy Spirit.

Making the sign of the cross

Making the sign of the cross I sign you with the cross, and mark you as Christ’s own forever.

Water

Water N, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All Amen.  

Commitment

Commitment As a member of Christ’s body, the Church, you will share with us in a delight in prayer, a love for the word of God and a desire to follow the way of Christ; you will be challenged to affirm your faith in God and receive the laying on of hands in confirmation. May you grow in the Holy Spirit, fulfil your calling, and follow Christ your whole life long.

Candle

Candle God has delivered us from 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.

Belonging

Belonging Lord Jesus Christ, who welcomed the little ones who were brought to you, guard these children in health and strength as they grow up; keep them safe from all harm. May they come one day to confirmation as they decide for themselves to walk with Christ’s pilgrim people. All Amen.

Practicalities Thinking time Booking procedure Options (when Baptisms take place) Support & Resources Parking Photographs

Donation Giving Envelope to take home It cost us £40 Please let your donation reflect how important Baptism is to you Giving envelope will be picked up by Baptism visitor The Church is here today because people have given in the past

Our commitment to you Baptism Visit Junior Church, Workshops and Holiday Schemes Our commitment to local Schools Recommended books and DVD ideas for parents and Godparents

Berkswich Parish Baptism Preparation Evening