The birth of a child is a very special occasion. It is a time when it is natural to want to celebrate such a wonderful event and many people's thoughts often turn to church and the idea of booking a Christening. Many people are not aware that the church offers two different services after the birth of a baby and we are here to help you make the right choice for you and your child. The two services available are 'a Service of Thanksgiving' and 'a Baptism Service'.

The Thanksgiving Service
Many people feel they want to express their thanks to God for the new life of their child, but they may not feel ready to make a commitment to a lifelong journey of faith. The Thanksgiving Service offers a chance to say thank you to God and to seek God's blessing for you and your child. It does not involve any other commitment and friends and family can express their support as Godparents if you like. Your child can always be baptised at a later date when you feel ready to make the appropriate commitment, or your child is old enough to make the commitment themselves.

The Baptism Service
God loves your child and invites you and your child on a journey of faith which can last for the whole of their life. Baptism marks the beginning of that journey. During the Service, parents and Godparents will be asked to make some promises and to answer some questions, expressing your willingness to set out on the journey of faith in Jesus with your child. Parents and Godparents are making a solemn commitment to unashamedly bring up your child within the Christian faith.

To begin this journey with either service please click to explore the Thanksgiving or Baptism services