Baptism and Thankgivings

Baptism FAQ's & Baptism Preparation Evening

What’s the difference between Baptism and a Christening?

Baptism is the service in church which many people call a “Christening”.

This is when someone, often a baby is welcomed into the church community, but adults also come to receive baptism too.

What do I have to do to arrange for a Baptism?

Speak to the vicar after a service, or contact him (see below)

We don’t live in the Parish, does that matter?

It’s good to be welcomed into your local Christian community. If you don’t live in our parish then we ask that you contact your local Church of England vicar and get his or her permission for the service to take place here. This is simply a matter of courtesy.

We don’t normally come to church, is that going to be a problem?

No, but we do ask that you attend two services before the baptism so that you and your family feel part of the Church community which you or your child is being welcomed in to.

I’m not baptised, can I still have my child done?

This isn’t a problem, although all Godparents must have been baptised.

I’m a single parent, is that a problem?

Absolutely not.

We’re not married, will you still baptise our child?

If you’ve had a child together and you’re wanting to commit him or her into God’s care, it sounds like you’re in a pretty stable and long term relationship.

Not being married isn’t a bar to your child’s baptism, but if you’ve got their long-term welfare at heart, maybe now is a good time to think about committing yourselves as a couple into God’s care too.

When do you do Baptism Services?

We normally perform Baptisms as part of a normal Sunday Service.

What will it cost?

Nothing although some families like to make a donation to the church.

What if I’m not sure that I actually believe in God?

Good question. Sometimes the pressure to have a child baptised comes from outside – parents, friends, relatives e.t.c.

If you’re not sure that you’d feel comfortable publicly declaring a faith in God that you haven’t got then we offer a Service of Thanksgiving and Naming. This is an authorised Church of England service where your child will be named and given thanks for but where there are no expectations placed on you and where your child is also then at liberty to make their own decision about following God for themselves when they have grow up a little.

What happens next?

Have a word with Malcolm, the vicar or use the form below.

Click here to download our Baptism Application Form.

Contact us about your baptism

To arrange things or discuss any questions please fill in the form below.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet for our Sunday services in St. Leonard's, Ryton-on-Dunsmore. You can find the plan of our services here. Take a look at the online diary to see what service is happening where and when. We recommend arriving about 10-15 minutes before the service is due to start to ensure you find a parking space in thecarpark next to the church and to find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone and handed anything you need to guide you through the service.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits usually following the service so don't dash off, it is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up.

Our Service

The main service begins with a warm welcome from one of our team members. The service might be led by Malcolm (our Vicar) or one of the lay leaders or even a visiting member of clergy. We will sing a hymn or song, hear a short passage read from the Bible and the leader will then explain what that passage is all about - how God speaks to us through his Word and how we can apply it to our lives. We will pray and join in some responses (you don't have to if you don't feel it is appropriate) and there might be a short symbolic meal called Communion. During the service, there may be a baptism which is when we welcome someone into our Church fellowship and family. Of course, you don't have to do any of these things, they might seem strange the first time you encounter them, so take your time and don't feel any pressure.

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What about my kids?

Children and young people are very welcome in our church buildings and services.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up throughout the service and we provide activities for them if you want - and we really value worshipping God all together as a family.

Children

Getting Connected

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Rev Malcolm Ingham		Leader 2
Vicar of St. Leonard's		Leader Intro

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes

Malcolm sig (2)