Baptism (or christening as it is sometimes known, especially for infants) is the acceptance on the part of a believer or by parents on behalf of their infants of the grace of God in their lives.
Both infant and believer’s baptism have been practised by Christians from earliest times and the URC supports and practises both.
Adult
(sometimes called ‘Believers Baptism’)
This is for those old enough to make their own decisions who wish to be baptised and have not been baptised before (by its nature baptism can only be carried out once, so whatever Christian denomination you were baptised in, your baptism is recognised by all others).
Those seeking baptism are encouraged to undertake a time of preparation (e.g. an Alpha course), the ministers can advise and help with this. For those under the age of 18 years old, decisions about baptism will be in conjunction of their parent(s).
Thanksgiving and Blessing
This way is for the parent(s) of an infant who do not share regularly in the life of the Church, but who would like to celebrate the birth of their child in worship.
The child is brought to worship on a Sunday morning, where the parent(s) and congregation give thanks for the birth of the child, and in response to God’s love for the child, ask for His blessing upon them.
The parent(s) promise to live so their child will be surrounded by love and goodness.
The parent(s) and congregation look forward to the day when the child asks for baptism.
Infant Baptism
(or christening as it is sometimes known)
This way is for families where one or both parents are part of the Church, sharing in the life of the congregation. The child is brought to worship on a Sunday, and baptized during the service in response to God’s love for the child; the parent(s) declare their faith and make promises, and the child is baptized with water in the name of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thanksgiving, Dedication and Blessing
This way is for families where the parent(s) are part of the Church family, but do not wish to have their children baptized as infants, preferring to allow them to make their own decision and response later in life
The child is brought to worship on a Sunday, where the parent(s) and congregation give thanks for the gift of the child. The parents dedicate themselves to the task of parenthood and the minister or leader of worship will then pray for God’s blessing for the child.
With both Thanksgiving, Dedication and Blessing and Baptism the parent(s) promise to bring the child up in the Christian faith and to live so that the child will be nurtured in Christian love. It is understood that the parent(s) will ensure that the child shares regularly in the life of the congregation.
The parent(s) and congregation look forward to the time when the child makes their own public declaration of faith either through believer’s baptism or confirmation.
The Church also promises to support the parent(s) and to care for the child, sharing the pilgrimage of faith together.