Baptisms and Thanksgivings

It's always a joy when a new little life comes into the world and we love journeying with parents as they embrace the task of nurturing their children! We offer both infant baptism and infant thanksgiving for parents wishing to celebrate the gift of a child.  Each has a slightly different feel and content. 

Infant Baptism

Infant baptism is about welcoming a child into God's church.  It involves parents, godparents and the church family making some big and important promises to God on behalf of the child and committing to helping nurture the child in the Christian faith.  Where parents want to get their child baptised we ask them to attend one of our Alpha courses to help prepare for the promises made in baptism. We also ask families to attend St James regularly and commit to being a part of the St James community.

Infant Thanksgiving

Infant thanksgiving is an opportunity for parents to thank God for a child. Infant dedication does not involve the same kind of specific Christian promises or statements of church commitment that are made as part of an infant baptism.

Adult Baptism

We baptise adults who have decided to follow Jesus having not been baptised as infants.  Baptism is an outward sign and public declaration of an inner transformation and personal commitment to Jesus Christ.  We also help people reaffirm baptism vows that were made for them as a child as part of our adult baptism services.  Many of those who were baptised as infants also get confirmed.

What Next?

If you would like to explore having a Baptism or Thanksgiving service at St James come along to one of our Sunday morning services for a couple of weeks and then we can arrange to meet with you to discuss this further.