Two Services to Welcome Children into the Church in Felsted & Little Dunmow
When a new baby is born, families and friends want to celebrate.
They want to share in saying 'thank you' for the miracle of new life. We at Holy Cross, Felsted & the Priory Church of Little Dunmow would love to
join with you at such a special time and this leaflet describes two services which might help you mark the occasion in an extra special way in church.
Your choice
THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE
This enables a family to give thanks to God for the new member of their family in the context of a service in church or more privately. It might be that parents and godparents don't want to make the commitment of becoming members of the church at this stage or that the promises required don't accurately reflect their true feelings at this moment. In each case this might be the service for them.
On the other hand the family might already be church members and the promises truly reflect their Christian faith and belief, yet they might not like their child to have the 'once for all' Baptism now but wish to leave the possibility of Baptism open until the child is older and can make the decision for him or herself.
THE BAPTISM SERVICE
Often called a 'Christening', this service requires parents and godparents to make promises about following Jesus as teacher and Lord, accepting him as saviour and discovering him as a friend. It is a service that marks membership of the Church, the family of God, and demonstrates a commitment and service to that family's life.
Each of these services is special
What makes them even more special is your confidence that your family has the right service - the one that reflects what you want. We would love to work with you to support whatever decision you make.
Helping your desicion
To assist you in making the best decision for your child and your family we will meet with you in one or two informal meetings in your home where these two different services are explained and discussed.
TIMING
After the services have been explained you will be in a position to make the best choice and then to select the appropriate time and date. Baptisms always take place in the main church service (enabling the whole church family to welcome their new member!) and this is normally, although not always, the case for Thanksgivings.
GODPARENTS/SPONSORS
It is usual to have three godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but to have one of each is sufficient. Parents may be godparents to their own children provided that the child has at least one other godparent. The baptism service requires parents and godparents to make the same promises and so it is important for them to know the background behind your decision and to be confident in their own. They are welcome, indeed encouraged to attend the preparation.
YOUNGSTERS at Holy Cross, Felsted and the Priory church of Little Dunmow
Felsted
The 10:30 am service at Holy Cross offers a range of facilities for children. The fourth Sunday of the months is an all age service. On other
Sundays the young people join us for the first 10 minutes or so before going off to group activities geared towards their age groups. There is always a creche
available.
Little Dunmow
The fourth Sunday of the month is an all age service. It is preferable that a child should have a Baptism or Thanksgiving Service in his/her parish church or
the church his/her parents normally attend.
Full copies of the Baptism and the Thanksgiving Services and Felsted & Little Dunmow Churches' Baptism Policy will be available at the preparation meetings and can be viewed by following the links.
Contact Revd Colin Taylor, Vicar by e-mail or telephone 01371 820242
