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“Let no one be a stranger within these walls”
Baptism is the way that the Church has been given by Jesus to admit people in his name into its membership. The Church is the fellowship of those who believe in Jesus Christ. So if you want to be baptized you must be ready to declare your faith in him. We would be delighted to help you develop and explore your understanding of that faith in an enquirers’ group.
If you want to have a child baptized, you have to declare that faith and want your daughter or son to grow up into that faith. If you are already a Church member, the minister can discuss arrangements for the Baptism with you. If not, we would ask you to join an enquirers’ group where, as mentioned above, you can explore and develop your understanding of the Christian Faith.
If you are not ready yet to make a commitment of faith in Christ but still feel you wish to give thanks to God for the gift of a daughter or son and to pray for God’s blessing on her/him, we would be pleased to arrange a suitable service for you. Such a service would not prevent you having your child baptized when you are ready.
Below are some passages from the Bible you may find it helpful to look up:
The command to baptize: Matthew 28:20; I Corinthians. 12:12-14.
Belonging to Christ: John 15:1-9; Romans 11:17-22.
United to Christ, we are God’s daughters and sons: Mark 1:11
together with I John 3:1-3.
A new life for believers and their children: Acts 2:37-39; Romans 6:3-11
Jesus welcomes children: Mark 10:13-16.
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Anyone who feels led to seek Baptism for themselves or for a son or daughter is welcome to talk to the minister about the meaning of Baptism and the responsibilities it brings with it. Once you are ready, we will be happy to make arrangements for the baptism to take place.
Jesus sent his followers out to teach and baptize. As his followers today, we welcome every opportunity to continue this work of baptizing.