Thinking about baptizing your child at St Paul's? 

As members of the Christian community we are grateful to be able to celebrate with you on this happy occasion.

We believe . .

. . . that God is the creator of all things.  Through the care and nurture of children he gives parents a share in the work and joy of creation.  But we who are born of earthly parents need to be born again.  In the gospel Jesus tells us that unless a person is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God.  Through faith in Christ God gives us the way to a second birth into a new life in relationship with him. 

The sign and seal of new birth

Baptism is the sign and seal of this new birth.  In the Bible we read of the risen Christ commanding his followers to make disciples of all nations and to baptize people everywhere.  They obeyed his command and we read of Peter proclaiming in these words:

"Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is to you and your children and to all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord calls." 

Children who are too young to profess the Christian faith on their own are baptized on the understanding that they will be brought up to trust and follow Christ as their Saviour and Lord within the family of the church.  As they grow up they need encouragement, teaching and help, so that they may learn to put their faith in God, to worship and serve him, and to take their place in the life of the church. 

All this depends chiefly on the help and encouragement they receive from their parents and sponsors (godparents).  As one bringing your child for baptism, it is important that you be able to affirm your own allegiance to Christ, to trust him as your Saviour and obey him as your Lord, and that you choose sponsors for your child who can do the same.  ou at each step along the way.  We encourage all parents to take part in a three-session baptismal preparation programme.

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