BAPTISMS

A Baptism is an important event in the life of a family, and in the life of our Church family.

BECOME A PART OF OUR FAMILY

In the case of infant baptism, the Church asks that at least one parent or other close family member is a member of the Church or willing to become a member. In the baptismal service the child’s parents or relatives profess their own faith and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.

Baptism is not only for infants but can be something for adults who have not been baptised before. In the case of adult baptism, the people themselves make the appropriate promises.

Baptism is normally administered at Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as becoming part of the body of Christ and the life of the Church. In the case of emergencies, for example in a hospital situation, these arrangements can be more flexible.

One of the baptismal promises made by parents at the baptism of their child, or by adults at their own baptism, is to become part of the Church’s life.

THANKSGIVING & BLESSING OF A CHILD

Since 2003, the Church of Scotland has offered thanksgiving and blessing ceremonies for children.

The blessing ceremony takes place at morning worship following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used. Nothing is required of the parents in either commitment or belief. This is an option for parents if they are either not members of the Church or wish their child to make up his or her own mind about baptism later on in life.

The Minister is happy to discuss any of the above on an individual basis.