Baptism
Baptism for babies and children takes place in a service often called a Christening. In this service parents thank God for his gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith and godparents promise help and support. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family. For your child, being baptized at a Christening marks the start of a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family.
Thanksgiving
Some parents might want to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way without the commitment that baptism involves. During the Thanksgiving service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and everyone prays for family life. A Thanksgiving Service is not a Baptism. There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. The child will be blessed and prayed for, and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby.
At both St Matthew's and St Michael & All Angels baptisms can take place during the service on the 1st Sunday of each month - 9.30am for St Matthew's and 11am for St Michael & All Angels.
These leaflets give more information: