St. Thomas' Church, Market Rasen

Baptism

Baptism is the mark of becoming a member of the church. Baptism takes place in a service often called a Christening. In this service parents thank God for his gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith, godparents promise help and support and we remind ourselves of what Christians believe. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family. For your child, being baptised at a Christening marks the start of a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family. During the final part of the service, the newly baptised person is given a lighted candle as a sign that they go out of the church building and into the world as a sign of God’s love for creation. To shine as a light in the world.

Baptisms can take place either as part of the main service on a Sunday or by arrangement with the Vicar during the afternoon of the 3rd Sunday of the month.

Thanksgiving

If you do not want a Baptism then some parents might want to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way without the commitment that baptism involves. During the Thanksgiving service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and everyone prays for family life. It can take place in church with the congregation, or with just family and friends gathered, or elsewhere such as home, or even in hospital.

A Thanksgiving Service is not a Baptism. There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. The child will be blessed and prayed for, and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby.

What to do if you want a Baptism or Thanksgiving Service?

The first step to arranging the service is to contact St. Thomas’. You will be asked to complete a form which you can collect from Mini Messy. The Rector will then arrange to visit you to discuss and arrange the date.

Church of England Guide to Christenings

The Church of England has a useful website guide on all you need to know about Christenings.