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BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN

PREPARATION

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

The minister welcomes everyone and introduces the service. There is a time for reflection and prayer.

THE COLLECT

LITURGY OF THE WORD

BIBLE READING

SERMON

LITURGY OF BAPTISM

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

The minister says to everyone

  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 these children and uphold them in
  their new life in Christ?

All      With the help of God, we will.

The minister then says to the parents and godparents
  Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy.
  Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for
  them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and
  walk with them in the way of Christ?
   With the help of God, we will.

  In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for
  them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place
  within the life and worship of Christ's Church?
   With the help of God, we will.

DECISION
A candle is lit. The minister addresses the children through their parents, godparents and sponsors.
  In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
  To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
  Therefore I ask:

  Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
   I reject them.
  Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
  I renounce them.
  Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
    I repent of them.

  Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
   I turn to Christ.
  Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
  I submit to Christ.
  Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
    I come to Christ.

SIGNING WITH THE CROSS
The minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate, saying

  Christ claims you for his own.
  Receive the sign of his cross.

When all the children have been signed, the minister says
  Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified
All Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ
   against sin, the world and the devil,
  and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.

  May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness,
  restore in you the image of his glory,
  and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE WATER
The minister stands before the water of baptism and says

Heavenly Father,
by the power of your Holy Spirit
you give to your faithful people new life in the water of baptism.
Guide and strengthen us by the same Spirit,
that we who are born again may serve you in faith and love,
and grow into the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
now and for ever. Amen.

Praise God who made heaven and earth,
All who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All It is right to give him thanks and praise.

We thank you, almighty God, for the gift of water
to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life.
Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.
Through water you led the children of Israel
from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promised land.
In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John
and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ,
to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism.
In it we are buried with Christ in his death.
By it we share in his resurrection.
Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son,
we baptize into his fellowship those who come to him in faith.

Now sanctify this water that, by the power of your Holy Spirit,
they may be cleansed from sin and born again.
Renewed in your image, may they walk by the light of faith
and continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Lord;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.