Baptism
Presenting your child for baptism
We are delighted that you are considering Baptism for your child. It is an important event for you and your family, as it is for the Christian family to which your child will belong more fully. Here we seek to explain the background to, and importance of, the sacrament of Baptism and to answer frequently asked questions.As one of the two sacraments of the church, Baptism is a symbol of God's grace and forgiveness. The sprinkled water is an outward sign of that inner meaning.
Baptism is also a sign of our fellowship with Jesus, acknowledging that your child has a place in Jesus' heart and in His Church.It is our prayer that, in time, your child will him/herself choose to follow Christ and to profess the faith in which he or she was baptised.
Which children?
The gift of Baptism implies growth and grace and therefore, in the case of the Baptism of a child, parents or guardians are asked to give a clear commitment to raise their child in the Christian faith, within the life and worship of the Church. This obviously requires belief and faith on the part of at least one of the parents. Being an existing part of the Church family is the best place to start and if you are not a member of our congregation we look forward to welcoming you. There is always a welcome at the North Church and we have a number of services and other weekly activities to cater for different needs, preferences and ages. You can find out more about us by browsing this website.
The beginning of a journey
Baptism, if it is to mean anything at all, should be seen as the beginning of a journey for your child. Baptism shouldn't be considered just because "grandparents say it's the thing to do", nor for any superstitious reason. In asking for Baptism parents are making a positive statement, saying "We believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and we want to dedicate our child to him and promise to bring him / her up within the active life of Christ's Church on earth, represented by the local church”. We at the North Church offer you our friendship and support and look forward to seeing you regularly.
Why baptism?
Jesus himself was baptised by John in the River Jordan, and when he gave the Church its great commission he did so in the following words: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age""(Matthew 28:18-20).It is clear from this that the Church has been given an instruction to baptize, but why children? Some churches confine baptism to adults, to those who can understand what they are doing. The early Church did not. The Promise of Peter is "to you and your children."Acts 2:39.The Church of Scotland offers Baptism to Adults who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and to the children of Christian parents as outlined below.
Something to consider if baptism is not right for your child yet
If you do not think Baptism or Church membership is right for your family at present you may wish to consider a service of blessing and thanksgiving for your new baby and the minister would be happy to discuss this with you also.
The baptism of children within the Church of Scotland
Baptism is not a private family event but a church family event. The Church of Scotland sets out rules about whom a minister can baptize. ·A child can be baptised if one or both parents have themselves been
baptised and are members of the Church or who intend to become members of the congregation (being in attendance and enrolled in the next available membership preparation or Christian education meetings);
OR
One or both parents are recognised as adherents of the congregation in regular attendance;
OR
In certain circumstances ministers can also Baptize children when another close family member is a member of the Church and is able to take the vows of baptism on behalf of the parents.
This would be relevant and valid only where the child to be baptised lives in close proximity to the other family member who can shepherd them in the faith and keep the vows about them being brought-up within the life and witness of the Church in due course, meaning in practical terms that both the relative and the child both live in Perth and are able to attend church together)
The Minister would be happy to discuss any of the above with any parent or guardian wishing baptism for their children. For a Church of Scotland perspective on Baptism please visit the Church of Scotland website.
What to expect during the service of baptism
- Our Baptisms Coordinator will assist you leading up to and on the day of the service.
- One parent with the child, and perhaps a friend, will be cared-for in our church hall unless you wish to sit in church.
- The other parent should join other members of the family and friends in church for the entire service.
- At the time allocated for the Baptism the child and parent will be brought into church to join the others.
- Following an introduction to the Sacrament of Baptism by the minister you and any God Parents will be invited to bring your child to the font. Other children within your family are welcome to come closer also.
- In presenting your child for Baptism you accept the responsibility of nurturing your child in the Christian faith and so you will be asked to respond positively ("I do") to these two questions:
"Do you believe in God almighty, Father Son and Holy Spirit
and do you acknowledge Jesus Christ to be your Saviour
and Master?"
and
"Do you promise, depending on the grace of God, to teach
your child the truths and duties of the Christian faith; and by
prayer and example to bring him/her up in the life and
worship of the Church"
- Your child will be Baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as Jesus himself instructed.
- At this point the congregation will sing the Aaronic Blessing, an ancient blessing from the Old Testament, Numbers ch.6
- A certificate of Baptism and a gift of flowers will be presented following the Sacrament.
- This part of the service is ended and you will be asked to return to your seats.
- One parent with the child, and perhaps a friend, will be cared-for in our church hall unless you wish to sit in church.
- The other parent should join other members of the family and friends in church for the entire service.
- At the time allocated for the Baptism the child and parent will be brought into church to join the others.
- Following an introduction to the Sacrament of Baptism by the minister you and any God Parents will be invited to bring your child to the font. Other children within your family are welcome to come closer also.
- In presenting your child for Baptism you accept the responsibility of nurturing your child in the Christian faith and so you will be asked to respond positively ("I do") to these two questions:
"Do you believe in God almighty, Father Son and Holy Spirit
and do you acknowledge Jesus Christ to be your Saviour
and Master?"
and
"Do you promise, depending on the grace of God, to teach
your child the truths and duties of the Christian faith; and by
prayer and example to bring him/her up in the life and
worship of the Church"
- Your child will be Baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as Jesus himself instructed.
- At this point the congregation will sing the Aaronic Blessing, an ancient blessing from the Old Testament, Numbers ch.6
- A certificate of Baptism and a gift of flowers will be presented following the Sacrament.
- This part of the service is ended and you will be asked to return to your seats.
What to do now
Having read the contents of this page, if you wish to discuss the Baptism or Blessing of your child you can contact the minister, Rev Hugh O'Brien through the church office. For contact details, click on the button below.
Photography & video
As your child's baptism is an integral part of a service of worship please advise your family and friends that no photography is permitted during the service. There will, however, be the opportunity to take photographs at the font following the service and you are welcome to do this.As this is a service of worship, intrusive or distracting video recording is not appropriate. There may be the opportunity for a video to be taken from an appropriate part of the church (e.g. the gallery) if this does not disturb other members of the congregation and the person filming remains in the same position throughout the service. You should speak to the minister about this prior to the date of Baptism.
Children's ministries
As you plan to join us for worship regularly it will help you to know that a crèche is available during the 11.00am service.
Also, as your child grows up, there are children's slots and groups at both the 9.30am and 11.00am services. It is from the 11.00am service that children leave for “Adventurers” in an adjacent hall.
The 6.30pm service is currently more adult-focussed and there are no special provisions for children.
If you have older children of secondary-school age, then we have a lively “Lasers" group which meets in its own I.T. equipped room at 7.00pm on Sunday evenings during term-time. Again, full details can be found on further pages on this web site.
Also, as your child grows up, there are children's slots and groups at both the 9.30am and 11.00am services. It is from the 11.00am service that children leave for “Adventurers” in an adjacent hall.
The 6.30pm service is currently more adult-focussed and there are no special provisions for children.
If you have older children of secondary-school age, then we have a lively “Lasers" group which meets in its own I.T. equipped room at 7.00pm on Sunday evenings during term-time. Again, full details can be found on further pages on this web site.
