Baptism or Christening (which means Christian-making) is a very happy event in the life of a child or adult. The church community of Ebenezer Wesleyan Reform Church welcome your interest in seeking baptism and we look forward to sharing in this very important occasion with you. A baptism service is not just a very special day for family members, relatives and friends to enjoy, but the beginning of a life long journey with God, and association with his Church.
Baptism is a sacrament‚ ritual practice that is an expression of God's grace. Baptism conveys that we are accepted, renewed and reconciled by God's grace and welcomed into the church. Baptism also involves our acceptance of God's unconditional love for us and repentance of our sin. We believe that at baptism, God's grace begins to work in our lives‚ shaping and forming us into people whose lives reflect our love for God, one another and the world.
Being baptised does not make a person a Christian. A Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus; one who has accepted their own sinful nature, has asked for forgiveness for their sins, and who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
We recognise that many people who want a baptism for their child may not be regular Church-goers. Since the service of Baptism requires promises on the part of the parent(s) and godparents to bring their child up as a worshipping member of the Church and to instruct their child in the Christian faith, it is hoped that the family will join in the worshipping life of the Church at least up until the date of Baptism.
To help parents understand the promises that they will make, we will hold a preparation meeting prior to the Baptism service that they, and if possible, the Godparents will need to attend where we will explain more about the Baptism service and the promises that they will make.
The Baptism service will take place as part of our main 11:00am Morning Worship. We do this because, as part of the service, the members of our Church have to make their own promises and because we see this service as the first step in building a relationship with your child which we hope will continue and grow throughout their life. During this service there will be an opportunity for you to select a Hymn or Christian song that has a special place on your hearts. You will also be asked if you would like a particular Bible Reading, or other suitable reading that outlines the hopes and dreams you have for your child. Details of the service will be discussed with you at the preparation meeting.
We will ask you for some contact details so that we can keep in touch with you and your child in the first few years of their life, and we will invite you to join us at some of our special services. We would be really pleased to hear from you at any time and would always welcome you into the Church.
If you feel that you want to have your child baptised at Ebenezer, then please contact us to discuss the next steps.
Baptism is a sacrament‚ ritual practice that is an expression of God's grace. Baptism conveys that we are accepted, renewed and reconciled by God's grace and welcomed into the church. Baptism also involves our acceptance of God's unconditional love for us and repentance of our sin. We believe that at baptism, God's grace begins to work in our lives‚ shaping and forming us into people whose lives reflect our love for God, one another and the world.
Being baptised does not make a person a Christian. A Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus; one who has accepted their own sinful nature, has asked for forgiveness for their sins, and who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
We recognise that many people who want a baptism for their child may not be regular Church-goers. Since the service of Baptism requires promises on the part of the parent(s) and godparents to bring their child up as a worshipping member of the Church and to instruct their child in the Christian faith, it is hoped that the family will join in the worshipping life of the Church at least up until the date of Baptism.
To help parents understand the promises that they will make, we will hold a preparation meeting prior to the Baptism service that they, and if possible, the Godparents will need to attend where we will explain more about the Baptism service and the promises that they will make.
The Baptism service will take place as part of our main 11:00am Morning Worship. We do this because, as part of the service, the members of our Church have to make their own promises and because we see this service as the first step in building a relationship with your child which we hope will continue and grow throughout their life. During this service there will be an opportunity for you to select a Hymn or Christian song that has a special place on your hearts. You will also be asked if you would like a particular Bible Reading, or other suitable reading that outlines the hopes and dreams you have for your child. Details of the service will be discussed with you at the preparation meeting.
We will ask you for some contact details so that we can keep in touch with you and your child in the first few years of their life, and we will invite you to join us at some of our special services. We would be really pleased to hear from you at any time and would always welcome you into the Church.
If you feel that you want to have your child baptised at Ebenezer, then please contact us to discuss the next steps.