We offer baptism for both children and adults and also an alternative thanksgiving service. This page will help you to decide which will most suitable for you.
Baptism
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
The Baptism Service involves
- Declaring your belief in God
- Making Promises
- Sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus in a symbolic way
- Joining the church family.
HOW DID IT START?
Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan himself and became more aware of God as his Father and felt the special power of the Holy Spirit come upon him. After his death and resurrection, Jesus commanded his followers to make new disciples and to baptise them too. This has been done in Christian churches throughout the world ever since.
THE PROMISES
These promises are made by the parents and Godparents, or by the child if he or she is old enough.
In baptism God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ - the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.
It is important for you to decide whether you and your Godparents can make these promises meaningfully, not just in words. That is why at St Polycarp's we have a two preparation evenings with you and one with the Godparents.
GODPARENTS
Children must have at least two Godparents of whom one is of the opposite sex to the baby. The Godparents must also be baptised and preferably confirmed. Most people choose three close friends or relatives to take this role.
Often Godparents like to buy a special present for the child. There are a range of good quality prayer books, storybooks and Bibles for children available from CLC Bookshop at 103-105 West Street, Sheffield and SPCK at The Cathedral Bookshop, 8 East Parade, Sheffield S1 2ET.
Thanksgiving
If you do not feel comfortable in making these promises there is an alternative. It is called the Thanksgiving Service. As its name implies you will give thanks to God and pray for God's blessing upon your baby.
In either case please come to the church any Wednesday evening between 7 – 7.30 pm.
