Baptism Service

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The Welcome and Introduction

The words of welcome and introduction are said

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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all
and also with you.

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We rejoice today with ______ as they thank God for the gift of life and bring ______ for baptism.

Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us
that to enter the kingdom of heaven
we must be born again of water and the Spirit,
and has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth.
In Baptism God claims us as his own,

washes us from sin and sets us free from the power of death.

Here we know that we are made one with Christ in his death and resurrection,

members of his body,

called to share his ministry in the world.

Scripture Reading

The Gospel of Mark chapter 1 verses 9 – 11

The Presentation of those to be Baptised

The parents and those to be baptised are invited to the front to face the congregation.

Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number
those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome _______
and uphold _______ in _______ new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.

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Godparents are invited to the front

Parents and godparents, the Church receives _______ with joy.
Today we are trusting God for _______ growth in faith.
Will you pray for _______,
draw _______ by your example into the community of faith
and walk with _________ in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.

In baptism _________ begin ________ 

journey in faith.
It is your privilege and responsibility to speak for ________ today.
Will you care for ________,
and help ________ to take _________ place
within the life and worship of Christ's Church?
With the help of God, we will.

The Decision

The Easter candle is lit: a symbol of Jesus who is the light of the world

Following Jesus mean turning away from sin,

Turning towards God’s light,

and receiving new light in him.

Therefore parents and godparents I ask you:

Do you turn to Christ?

I turn to Christ.

Do you repent of your sins?

I repent of my sins.

Do you renounce evil?

I renounce evil.

The Signing with the Cross

The sign of the cross is made on the forehead of each of those to be baptised.

________, Christ claims you for his own.  Receive the sign of his cross.  Do not be afraid to profess the Christian faith; live and grow in the light and love of Jesus; loving others as Jesus loves you.

Amen.

The Parents godparents are invited to make the sign of the cross on those to be baptised.

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The Prayer over the Water

Praise God who made heaven and earth,

Who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Father, for your gift of water in creation,

We give you thanks and praise.

For your spirit sweeping over the water,

bringing light and life,

we give you thanks and praise.

For your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

baptised in the River Jordan,

we give you thanks and praise.

For your new creation,

brought to birth by water and the Spirit,

we give you thanks and praise.

For your grace bestowed on us your children,

washing away our sins,

we give you thanks and praise

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Father, accept our sacrifice of praise;

may your holy and life-giving Spirit

move upon this water.

Lord, receive our prayer.

Restore through it the beauty of your creation,

and bring those who are baptised to new birth in the family of your Church.

Lord, receive our prayer.

For you are great and hold all things in your hand

Now and for ever.

Amen.

The Statement of Christian Faith

Let us affirm our Christian Faith.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father,

source of all being and life,

the one for whom we exist?

I believe and trust in God.

Do you believe and trust in God the Son,

who took on our human nature,

died for us and rose again?

I believe and trust in God.

Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,

who gives life to the people of God

and makes Christ known in the world?

I believe and trust in God.

This is the faith of the Church.

This is our faith.

We believe and trust in one God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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The Baptism

At the font.

The Minister asks

What name have you given this child?

_____, I baptise you
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

A baptism shawl may be placed around the child.

The sign of the cross is made on the forehead of the baptised using oil saying:

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; and give you peace.

Amen

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The Welcome

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism:
______, by one Spirit we are all baptised into one body.
We welcome you into the fellowship of faith;
we are children of the same heavenly Father;
we welcome you.

The congregation greets the newly baptised with a round of applause.

The Prayers

We pray for the newly baptised, the parents and godparents, and the whole congregation.

Prayers

We pray in the words Jesus taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

The Giving of a Lighted Candle

Everyone returns to their places at the front and the newly baptised are presented with a lighted candle, symbol of Christ Light of the World.

_______, through this baptism you have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.

Shine as a light in the world

To the glory of God the Father.

A dove is hung on our Baptism Tree.

The Peace of God, which passes all

understanding, keep you hearts and minds in

the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always.

Amen.

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