Christenings 

If you would like to arrange a baptism in the first instance contact the relevant church. Or, failing that, Revd Keith Magee on 07766 645135 or by email

Most baptisms are of babies, but older children and adults can be baptised too.

The Church of England welcomes the newly baptised as members of the Church. You can read more about Christenings on the Church of England website.

Discover all you need to know about choosing, planning and going to a Church of England christening, and learn more about starting an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, family and friends.

There are a lot of things to think about before deciding on a service of baptism: practical things such as when to have the service and who to invite, but also questions about what it means to be a member of the Church, the role of godparents and where baptism fits into the overall picture of the Christian life and journey.

The words  below are from the introduction to the baptism service. They set out the meaning and purpose of the service.

"Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church.

The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us. Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising, a picture that can be brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism. And as a sign of that new life, there may be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptized walks in that light for the rest of their lives."

Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child