Baptising Your Child
St Peters Church
Baptism at St Peter’s Church
Baptism is a most ancient Christian service. It is the means by which people become members of the Christian Church, not just locally, but in the Church worldwide. Baptism marks the start of a journey of faith – the start of a new life guided and illuminated by the light of Christ. By asking to have your child or children baptised you are saying that you want to bring them up within the life of the Christian church.
Baptism requires a personal act of faith and commitment to Christ and to the life, fellowship and worship of the Church. Those not old enough to make this commitment are baptised on the understanding that they will be brought up as Christians within the Church family, by their parents or carers and Godparents. As their parents and Godparents, you will be “looking after your child’s faith until they are old enough to look after it for themselves”.
About The Service
Baptism Service
You will be thanking God for his gift of new life, making a decision to start on a journey of faith, asking for support from God and from the church. By joining the church you will be expressing your belief in God and his son Jesus Christ. Parents and Godparents, you will also promise to care and pray for your child or children and bring them to church. By doing this you can benefit from the values, friendships and spiritual guidance that accompany faith in Jesus Christ. At St. Peter’s, like many other churches, the baptism service is held during the main 10:00am Sunday service. This is so that we can ‘officially’ meet and greet our new church member!
FAQs
Baptism FAQ
Have Questions About Baptism?
We know that baptism is an important and meaningful step, and you may have questions about what it involves. Here, you’ll find answers to some common queries about baptism, Godparents, the service itself, and how to prepare. If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you on this special journey.
Baptism is an ancient Christian service that marks the beginning of a journey of faith. It is the way in which a person becomes a member of the Christian Church, both locally and worldwide. Baptism symbolizes new life in Christ and a commitment to raising a child within the Christian faith.
Godparents play a special role in a child’s spiritual upbringing. To be a Godparent, a person must be a baptised Christian. They will support the child’s faith journey and help guide them as they grow in their relationship with God.
During the baptism service, parents and Godparents make promises to care for and pray for the child, raising them within the Christian faith. The child is baptised with water as a sign of their new life in Christ. At St Peter’s, baptisms take place during the 10:00am Sunday service, so the church community can officially welcome their newest member.
If you feel unsure about making the commitments involved in baptism, you may choose a Service of Thanksgiving instead. This service allows you to thank God for your child’s life and receive His blessing, without making the formal promises required in baptism. Baptism can still take place at a later date if you decide it is the right step for your family.
We encourage you to attend church regularly with your child to become familiar with the services and the church community. This will help you decide whether baptism or a Thanksgiving service is the best choice for your family. A Baptism Visitor will also arrange a home visit to guide you through the service, show a short DVD about baptism, and answer any questions you may have.
Once you have decided which service is right for your family, please contact Revd Tom Smith on 01727 370569 or email contact@stpeterslondoncolney.co.uk. We will arrange for a Baptism Visitor to meet with you and help organise a date for the service. We look forward to supporting you at this special time and beyond!
Support St Peter’s
Keep Our Church Thriving
St Peter’s Church has been at the heart of our community for generations, offering worship, support, and a place of belonging for all. Your donation, no matter the size, helps us maintain our church, support vital outreach programs, and keep our doors open to everyone. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a regular contribution, your generosity makes a real difference. Thank you for helping us continue our work—your support is truly appreciated.
Contact
Get In Touch
If you are searching for a particular family headstone or plot and could use a little help, please contact us with details of who you are trying to trace and we will be pleased to offer any help possible. However, please note that searches in Registers carry a Statutory Fee which must be paid in advance of the search being carried out.
