saint peter's church about us

Two services to choose from

A new baby brings joy to any family and many families want to mark that very special event with a celebration in church.

Here at St Peter’s we welcome enquiries about Christenings. Normally you must either be resident in the parish or be registered on the church electoral roll.

What is a Thanksgiving?

If you want to give thanks to God for your child and to ask for God’s blessing on them and your family life, then a THANKSGIVING could be for you.

A thanksgiving is a joyful event that takes place on Sunday morning at St Peter’s. There are prayers of thanksgiving for the baby, some words for the parents to say, and the Rector takes the child into his arms and prays for them.

Jesus did something very similar in the Bible and that’s why we do it today.

The promises

The parents promise to care for their children and to pray for them as they grow up.
Please phone John Ebenezer - our baptism co-ordinator – on 01737 553545 if you would like to arrange an initial visit to discuss a thanksgiving service.

What is a Baptism?

If you want to bring your child up in the Christian faith as a member of the family of the church, then, a BAPTISM could be for you.

Baptism is a joyful event that takes place during the morning service at St Peter’s.

Since the very beginning of the Christian Faith, people have been baptised to show that they want to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and be part of his family, the church.

Children too young to declare their own faith are baptised on the understanding that they are brought up as members of the family of the church and that when they are old enough they will declare their own faith at a service of confirmation.

The promises

At a baptism service the parents speak for the child and make promises about how they will bring their child up and their own faith. For parents who wish to have their child baptised our baptism preparation course (see below) will help you get the most out of the baptism.

St Peter’s Baptism Course

A lively look at the heart of the Christian Faith

   No prior knowledge necessary
   Everyone welcome
   Say as little or as much as you like

What’s involved?

Three sessions spread over three weeks. The first two sessions take place during the second half of the morning service at St Peter’s, in the Rectory. The third session will take place in your home, together with the godparents.

Sessions are based on a dvd ‘Who is this Jesus’ - session 3 also looks at the baptism service itself. The course runs 2-3 times each year.

Please phone John Ebenezer - our baptism co-ordinator – on 01737 553545 if you would like to arrange an initial visit to discuss a baptism.