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When Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan, he became aware of God as his Father and felt the special presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Later, after his death and resurrection, Jesus told his followers to go out into the world to make new disciples and to baptise them too. Ever since, this has been done in Christian churches throughout the world.
In baptism God receives people of whatever age or background into Christ's Body - the Universal Church - which means that they become members of something that is far larger than the local congregation that has just welcomed them. And it's not just an earthly Church, but one that stretches back through history and on into eternity. Baptism remains the only prerequisite to membership of that Church.
In the early days of the Church, new Christians were often baptised at Easter. After a course of instruction in the faith, they publicly entered into a new life, repenting of their sins and receiving the assurance God's forgiveness. This was a symbol that they had died to their old life and, born again, been given a share in the Holy Spirit who came on Jesus at his baptism and, after his resurrection, was given to his disciples. Generally, in the early Christian centuries, those who joined the Church were not only baptised with water: the bishop also laid his hands on them in blessing, a rite which later developed into what we know as confirmation. Admission to the Church was completed by their receiving Holy Communion for the first time.
Whilst the baptism of adults continues, nowadays it is mainly infants and toddlers that are brought for baptism within the Church of England. At the baptism of infants, certain promises and declarations of faith must be made by the parents and godparents on behalf of the child. These are serious decisions with implications that have an impact on the child's spiritual welfare: therefore, careful consideration should be given when selecting people to act as godparents. Parents who feel unable, for whatever reason, to make these solemn promises and declarations, may opt for a Service of Thanksgiving for the birth of a child instead of baptism. This allows parents to thank God publicly for their children and to ask his blessing upon them.
The pattern at St Nicholas is to invite parents to attend a preparation evening at which the baptism service is explained and other arrangements are discussed with the opportunity for asking questions. At this evening the date of baptism is set. Baptism visitors will contact families about a week before the baptism to check on details of names, choose hymns and any special requests. The actual services of baptism usually take place at 12 noon twice monthly. From May 2010 the services will be at 3.00 pm. Baptisms are public services and anyone may attend.
As baptisms are normally outside regular services (though on occasion they may be) it is our normal practice to welcome the newly baptised into the church family at our All Age Worship on the first Sunday of each month at 10.00 am.
There is no charge for baptism however it is expected that families make a generous donation.
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