We are pleased that you are exploring your child’s christening. (The words ‘christening’ and ‘baptism’ actually mean the same thing although christening is often use in the case of infant baptism.) The information below explains how you can explore having your child christened in our church.
Firstly, we would like you to join us on Sundays in worship. All our 10:00 am services are family-friendly. In christening you are committing to be part of a church community and so by joining us in worship it will help you to determine whether our church is right for you.
Secondly, you are invited to attend two preparation christening sessions (run in consecutive months) in which we explore the commitment/promises you are making in a Christening service. These are normally held on the third Sunday of the month at 4:00 pm at St Michael’s Church, Linby. The informal, discussion-based sessions will last approximately 45 minutes and you may bring your children with you. We recognise that not all people can make Sundays; if Sundays are not convenient, e.g. due to work commitments, another time can be arranged. After the two preparation sessions, we can book a christening service, which are normally held as part of our 10:00 am Sunday service.
Where parents/carers are unable to attend the preparation sessions or feel unable to make the christening promises with integrity, we also offer a service of thanksgiving. In this service, we simply give thanks for your child and pray blessing over you and your child. This service can be arrange outside of a normal Sunday service.
There is no cost for a christening service or for a service of thanksgiving. The Church of England encourages parents to have their children christened in the parish where they live. We would not normally christen children living outside of the parish and whose parents are not in regular worship with us.
For any further information please contact Janet, the Church Administrator at: parishadminjanet@virginmedia.com.
St Michael & St James 