Symbols of Baptism
Events at Worshipping God: Celebrating Life: Embracing our Community
Dove
At the end of the service a dove is presented to the baptised to hang on the Baptism tree. In December all the Baptised for the that year are invited back to be presented with their dove and have a party!
Candle
Jesus is the Light of the World. A large candle (the Easter Candle) is lit during the service. Those who have been baptised are also given a lighted candle at the end of the service as a reminder of the light which has come into your child's life and which is taken into the world to bring light to others.
Water
Water - the minister will pour water on your child's head three times. Water is a sign of washing and cleansing. In baptism it is a sign of beginning a new life with God.
Oil
The sign of the cross - the minister will make the sign of the cross on your child's forehead. This is like an invisible badge to show that Christians are members of Christ’s family.
The minister says:
Christ claims you for his own.
Receive the sign of his cross.
Anointing - after baptism in water, the minister may put a white robe on the child and anoint him or her with oil. This is a sign of the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit and grace.