Baptism
The Bible teaches that baptism does not make us a Christian, only faith in Jesus can do that, but it is a wonderful introduction into the Church family. Baptism is the beginning of a journey of faith and it needs the help of parents, godparents and the rest of the church family. That is why we do baptisms as part of our normal Sunday services. The water of baptism is a symbol of the cleansing and forgiveness that all of us need and that only Jesus can provide. Jesus himself was baptised in the River Jordan, not because he too needed to be forgiven from sins, but to stand alongside us in solidarity and to set us an example to follow.
At St. Lawrence we baptise both infants and adults. Infants require godparents who, together with the parents, make promises on their behalf. Godparents must be baptised Christians. Adults make the promises themselves. If parents feel unable to make the promises required in the baptism service, we are very pleased to offer a service of thanksgiving and dedication instead.
If you are thinking of having a child baptised, we encourage you to come to church and then to contact the Parish Office, after which the vicar will be in touch to discuss arrangements with you.