Here at St Mark’s we welcome everyone to our church, and over the years many people have made this their home church through the celebration of baptisms and weddings. In line with the changes in society, we now offer a service for those who would like to share in this welcome, and who would like something different from the traditional baptism service for their child, which leads to belonging to the church through vows and initiation by baptising with water.
The thanksgiving service includes a Bible reading and talk, prayers and a blessing, as with a baptism service. The emphasis is on the life of the child and their upbringing with the support of their parents, family and friends, through the love of Jesus.
The thanksgiving is intended to celebrate the birth of a child or a child adopted into the family. It differs from a baptism service as the family and friends of the child are not required to make vows of belief in the Christian faith, so supporting friends take the place of godparents. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to take part in a simple thanksgiving to God which recognises and acknowledges His goodness, giving cause for celebration. The service can then be followed by baptism if the child or family wish to make this commitment later on in the child’s life.
If you would like to talk about this further, please call 01590 672896 or contact us here. We would be happy to discuss your wishes and welcome you to St Mark’s.