A guest's guide to christenings

A guest's guide to christenings

A christening is just the beginning of an exciting journey of faith. In choosing to have a child christened, parents are saying that their child is precious to them and precious to God. By simply being at the service you are supporting their decision to have their child baptized.

 

At a christening, the parents and godparents will promise to support their child, talk to them about the big questions in life, pray for them and show them how to make good choices in life.

They will also promise to help them learn about the Christian faith.

Everyone at the service will also be invited to promise to continue supporting the child on their journey of faith. The vicar taking the service will say to everyone present:-

Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these candidates
and uphold them in their life in Christ?

When the vicar says this, everyone replies:

With the help of God, we will.

Guests will be supplied with an order of service, either in a booklet, or up on a screen at the front, so you will know when this part of the service is coming up.

When the baptism has been done, the vicar might also suggest a round of applause to show delight and welcome as the child becomes part of the church family.

Take a look at the service step-by-step so you know what else to expect.