The Welcome

After the Baptism

You are invited to return to church to a regular Sunday service at 10am for your child to be welcomed into the congregation and to receive his or her baptismal candle and card. There will be cards for godparents too.

The Welcome

One significant meaning of the baptism service is being made part of God's family, the church. As the local "branch" of the church, our congregation has a responsibility — one it really enjoys — of welcoming your child into the local church on behalf of all the church everywhere in the world. It's a bit difficult to do that without seeing your child! So on this Sunday sometime after the baptism we welcome your child as a new member of the family, and join in praying for him or her as well.

The Candle

You will hear about the symbols used in the baptism service when you attend the Enquirers' Meeting, but the candle is a very important symbol. Light is a symbol of support, truth, warmth. It represents two meanings. Firstly, your child is never alone, but always has God's presence with her or him. Secondly, as you bring your child up, you want him or her to be someone who brings the light of help and love to others.

The candle the child receives is quite large. We suggest you keep it somewhere safe after the service. On the anniversary of your child's baptism each year, take it out — possibly make a cake — and show them some of the photos you took on the day. End by saying the Lord's Prayer together before blowing the candle out. In this way, the knowledge that they've been baptised, and that it means something important, will be a significant part of their growing up.