Please note that all services (including blessings, baptisms, weddings and funerals) are held in the St Andrew's building.

Blessing - of a child

In the gospel according to Mark we are told one of the famous stories of Jesus. Children were brought to him and he blessed them.

The church has been blessing children ever since - and for children of church members that is usually accompanied by the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism.

The little children and Jesus (Mark 10:13-16 NIV)
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

We are happy to welcome parents and children and ask God's blessing for these children. For children of active church members we also encourage Christian Baptism.

 

Baptism - of a child who's family is part of our congregation - or a new adult believer

The New Testament speaks of people coming to believe in Jesus and being baptised upon that profession of faith. Sometimes that baptism was extended to their families, for usually following Jesus included and changed the whole of family life. Some churchs today still only baptise believing adults, offering a blessing to children, while others permit baptism of the children of believing adults on the understanding that these children will be raised in the christian faith and that the family will be actively involved in the life of the local church. The Book of Acts has examples of both, eg:

Philip and the Ethoipian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38)
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized? ” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:31-33)
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.

 

If you would like to discuss a blessing for your child or what it means to follow Jesus and be baptised, please contact our minister Rev Andrew J Philip. He will be very happy to speak with you.

In addition, we have a short film which explains more and some leaflets which you could read:

Film - "First Steps"

Leaflet - "Blessing and Baptism"

Leaflet - "What happens on the day?"

Useful contacts

MINISTER
The Rev Andrew J Philip     Tel: 01764 218976     E-mail: