Baptisms
Go, therefore make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
St Matthew 28:19
Baptism or Christening (they both mean the same) is the way that new members are welcomed into the Church. It takes the form of being sprinkled with water three times, to signify that the person believes in God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is about washing. If we are dirty we would have a bath or a shower to wash the grime away. And so when we are baptised, we wash away those sins which separate us from God. That is not to say that we never sin again, we do not become perfect, but baptism is a first and important step along the road!
People are baptised either when they are babies or as adults. Baptism is a special sign of God’s love for us, through which Christians start their lifelong journey of faith. All Christians have to be baptized. It also makes us special, because when we are baptized we become like Jesus, and a member of his family taking his name. That is what being a Christian means.
If you would like to have your baby baptised, or to be baptised yourself, you need to get in touch with the Parish Office. You will also be invited to attend to the Sunday Sung Eucharist.
Thanksgiving for Childbirth
There is an age old tradition of parents coming to church specially to give thanks for the safe delivery of a child. In times past, this was particularly important, given the high rates of child mortality. Even though medical advancements have made giving birth so much safer, this remains a lovely and intimate way to mark a new life, before the public declarations at Baptism.
The short service in the Book of Common Prayer - known as the Churching of Women - is an opportunity for both parents to offer thanks to God for the gift of a new life.
If you would like to celebrate this at St James, please contact the Parish Office via the booking page below.