Jesus Christ welcomes every child

The call to follow Jesus Christ comes to all. We read in the Bible how Jesus greeted many different people, and this included children. In Mark’s Gospel we read how Jesus responded to children themselves:

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

(Mark’s Gospel, chapter 10 verses 13-15)

Jesus was concerned for all who came to him and welcomed them gladly. Jesus also expected to see a response in people’s lives, indicating that such a response should be one of trust like that of a child.

Blessing or Baptism?

The United Reformed Church, in the name of Jesus Christ, is able to offer two services of worship for a new-born child. Both services speak of the love of God the Father for your child, of His promises, and of the care of the Church.

Service of Blessing (also known as Dedication)

In this service we remember how Jesus gladly called children to gather around him and blessed them. This act of blessing takes place within the context of a service of worship. It is an opportunity for you to:

Thank God for the gift of your child

Commit yourselves to the responsibilities of parenthood

Promise to provide a loving home for your child

Pray for joy and patience, love and peace

Let the Church support you in prayer and friendship

Everyone wants the best for their child, and there is no better way to celebrate the start of a new life than asking God for his blessing on that young life as it grows and develops.

One advantage of choosing a blessing is that the child is then free to make their own decision about whether to be baptised or not when they are older. (See adult baptism)

It is also common to have 'Godparents' at a blessing if you want to, but you don't have to.

Promises made by parents during the Service of Blessing And Thanksgiving

Do you thank God for the gift of this child, and commit yourselves to God in fulfilling
the responsibilities of parenthood?

I/we do.

Do you promise, by God’s grace, to provide a Christian home for this child, and to bring
her/him up in the faith of the gospel and the fellowship of the Church?

I/we do.

Do you promise, by God’s grace, so to live that your child will be nurtured through
the years in Christian love?

I/we do.

OR Do you promise, by God’s grace, so to live that your child will be surrounded by
love and goodness?

I/we do.

Service of Baptism (also known as Christening)

In this service a child is welcomed into the life of the Church. It is usual for one or both parents to be practising Christians and sharing on a regular basis in the life, worship and activities of the local church.

The promises made within the service of worship relate to the faith of the parents and their part within the church. The congregation make a solemn promise to support, care and pray for the family and to instruct your child in the ways of God and the Christian faith.

The service of baptism looks forward to the day when your child will confirm for themselves the promises made on their behalf by you, and will declare their love for God and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Promises made during the baptism service

To parents: Do you believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
maker of heaven and earth, redeemer of the world, giver of life?

I/we do.

To parents: Do you promise, trusting in God’s grace, that by prayer and example
you will teach ………. the faith of the gospel and bring her/him up in the worship
and life of the Church?

I/we do.

To godparents: Do you promise to pray and care for ………… and support
his/her family, as far as you are able?

I/we do.

To the congregation: Do you, as members of Christ’s body and trusting in God’s
grace, promise to pray for ……….., provide for the teaching of the gospel,
and live a Christian life in the family of God?

I/we do.

To help in caring for you and your child we offer:

Weekly carecells (like extended families) which meet in homes, where people of all ages can grow in faith and support each other, children included. We encourage whole families to come along together.
A celebration service on the first and third Sundays of each month, with Junior Church and crèche for all ages (0 – 14 yrs)

There is a printable leaflet containing all this information downloadable below.

Jesus Christ welcomes every child The call to follow Jesus Christ comes to all. We read in the Bible how Jesus greeted many different people, and this included children. In Mark’s Gospel we read how Jesus responded to children themselves:

Blessing or Baptism?

Service of Blessing (also known as Dedication)

There is a printable leaflet containing all this information downloadable below.

Jesus Christ welcomes every child

The call to follow Jesus Christ comes to all. We read in the Bible how Jesus greeted many different people, and this included children. In Mark’s Gospel we read how Jesus responded to children themselves: