First of all, we, the congregation of Farnham United Reformed Church, want to congratulate you on the birth of your baby. We share your joy and happiness on this wonderful event We warmly welcome the opportunity to share with you the celebration of your baby's birth and naming.
In common with all United Reformed Churches, there are two ways in which we can do this. Either by a Service of Thanksgiving, Dedication, Naming and Blessing or by a Service of Baptism. Information about both of these services, about what commitments are asked, and about the implications and responsibilities in both instances, are explained here.
Both of these services normally
take place during our morning service, which is at 10.30 am on
Sundays, in order that the whole Church may take part. Whichever
service you choose will depend on the promises and commitment
that you wish to make, not
only for yourself, but on behalf of your child. The Minister will
be happy to explain further details, if you need them.
In this service we give thanks
to God for your baby's safe arrival, blessing her/him, as Jesus
blessed the children that were brought to him. In response, you
promise to try live your life such that you child will be surrounded
by love and care. We as a
Church promise to try help you in this task.
The promises are:
The parent(s) promises Do you promise, by God's grace, so to live that your child will be surrounded by Christian love and goodness ? I/We do. The Minister then says May God give you the grace faithfully to carry out the promises you have made today: may God grant you joy and patience, love and peace. The congregation promise: Do you, on behalf of the whole church of Jesus Christ, undertake to offer the instruction of this child in the Gospel of God's love, the example of Christian faith and character, and the strong support of this family of God in prayer and friendship? We do
The Minister then lays a hand on the
child's head and says:
N.......the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, be with you now and always.
This service allows your child to make up their own mind about Baptism at a later point in their life, and make a commitment to Christ when they wish to. There are no God-parents, and no water, in this service.
In this service your child is welcomed as a full member of the Church (subject to confirmation by themselves at a later date). You have to make certain promises, including bringing her/him up within the fellowship of the Church, in turn we as a Church make promises to help you in this task.
The promises are:
The parent(s) promises A & B, you have brought M for baptism: Do you believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, maker of heaven and earth, giver of life, redeemer of the world? I/We do. Do you promise, relying on God's help, to bring M up in the Christian faith? I/We do. The God parents (if any) promise: Do you promise to pray for N, and her/his home and family, and to support them as you are able as a minister of Christ’s love? I do. The congregation promise: Do you, the members of this church, promise to try to play your part in the Christian upbringing of this child? We do.
The Minister places water on the child's
head and says:
N..... I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
holy Spirit.
Baptism means that your baby is a baptised member of the Christian Church, who at some point may wish to re-affirm and confirm these promises made on her/his behalf in this service. If at that stage in their life they wished to show this commitment to Christ, by being baptised as an adult, this would not be possible within the United Reformed Church, or most Churches, because Baptism can be administered only once.
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The choice between a Baptism or a Blessing is not about 'getting into heaven', but about the level of commitment you wish to make on your child's behalf. You are not being asked to choose between two tiers of service, both are equally valid alternatives. The Minister will be happy to help you further in your choice if you would like. |
Taking it further...
When you have decided what you
would like to do, or that you would like further advice, please
contact the Minister.
Both types of service have been outlined in some detail in order
that you may consider the promises you will be making to God,
for yourself and on behalf of your child.
If you would like either of these
services for you and your child, please contact the Minister,
who will arrange to meet you and
discuss things more fully.
Worship at Farnham United Reformed Church
Sunday Services are a good way to get a feel for the Church, and to meet the Minister.
9.30 am Earlybird Service
especially for children and families
(first Sunday of the month only)
10.30 am Morning Worship
6.30 pm Evening Worship
To take it further,
please contact the Minister:
The Revd. Michael Hopkins
23 Hillary Road, Farnham, GU9 8QX
01252 711359
0771 640 9350
minister@farnhamurc.org.uk