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Events Calendar
May 2012
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Events this month: 17
Thanksgivings for the Birth of a Child
The United Reformed Church offers a service of Dedication of Parents and the Blessing of Children. This takes place when a child is young, and looks forward to Baptism at a point in the future.
Infant Baptism involves a significant expectation that both child and parents will continue their involvement in the Church, and the child will confirm the Baptism promises for themselves, when they reach a mature age.
Some people feel they do not wish to place such a demand on their child, or are not in a position to make promises about their own faith. Some families prefer to leave the option open for the child to make their own decision about a faith commitment as and when they are ready.
The Thanksgiving is a significant event, much like a Baptism. It involves the whole church community, and there may well be a family celebration afterwards. Godparents may be chosen, who will support the child and family at the service, and throughout their life.
During the service, there are prayers of thanksgiving for the safe birth of the child, a blessing of the child by the Minister, and prayers for the future welfare of the family. The parents and Godparents are asked to promise that they will provide a Christian home and upbringing for the child.
The service differs from Baptism in two important ways.
Firstly, there is no implication about the faith or commitment of the child. There is simply the promise to offer support, guidance and teaching to the child, to enable them to come to their own decision.
Secondly, no water is administered or used in any way during the service. The Church is quite clear that water in this context is a symbol of Baptism, so it is important to make this distinction.
You will find many dedicated Christians who choose to have this service, rather than a Baptism, for their young child. It does not alter in any way the fact that God loves and cares for their child. It leaves open the option for the child to request a service of Adult Baptism, and make their own profession of faith, at a later date. This is a very moving experience, and often involves Baptism by Immersion. This follows the model of the Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, and clearly demonstrates the burial and resurrection that is at the heart of Baptism into the Christian faith.
Infant Baptism involves a significant expectation that both child and parents will continue their involvement in the Church, and the child will confirm the Baptism promises for themselves, when they reach a mature age.
Some people feel they do not wish to place such a demand on their child, or are not in a position to make promises about their own faith. Some families prefer to leave the option open for the child to make their own decision about a faith commitment as and when they are ready.
The Thanksgiving is a significant event, much like a Baptism. It involves the whole church community, and there may well be a family celebration afterwards. Godparents may be chosen, who will support the child and family at the service, and throughout their life.
During the service, there are prayers of thanksgiving for the safe birth of the child, a blessing of the child by the Minister, and prayers for the future welfare of the family. The parents and Godparents are asked to promise that they will provide a Christian home and upbringing for the child.
The service differs from Baptism in two important ways.
Firstly, there is no implication about the faith or commitment of the child. There is simply the promise to offer support, guidance and teaching to the child, to enable them to come to their own decision.
Secondly, no water is administered or used in any way during the service. The Church is quite clear that water in this context is a symbol of Baptism, so it is important to make this distinction.
You will find many dedicated Christians who choose to have this service, rather than a Baptism, for their young child. It does not alter in any way the fact that God loves and cares for their child. It leaves open the option for the child to request a service of Adult Baptism, and make their own profession of faith, at a later date. This is a very moving experience, and often involves Baptism by Immersion. This follows the model of the Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, and clearly demonstrates the burial and resurrection that is at the heart of Baptism into the Christian faith.
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