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Baptisms
 Baptism
services are normally held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 12 noon.
Dates for
2008
are: 20 Jan, 10 Feb, 9 Mar, 13 Apr, 11 May, 15 June,
20 July, 17 Aug, 21 Sept, 19 Oct, 16 Nov, 7 Dec.
No more than three children are baptised in a service.
Read our Baptism FAQ adjacent for more information.
Download a
pdf copy of the Baptism Service
here (100Kb)
Enquiries
and bookings can be made by phoning the minister, Tim Foster, on 9569 2646.
Godparent's
Information
Godparents
can download a copy of the Godparent's Declaration
here
(90Kb). The Declaration is to ensure that you understand the
commitment that you are making in the service.
You should also download a copy of the Baptism Service
here (100Kb).
This will help you understand the service and the promises you will make
on behalf of the child.
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Baptism FAQ
What is Baptism?
When are baptisms
held?
What preparation
is required for baptism?
What is necessary
for an effective baptism?
Who may be
godparents?
What are the
duties of godparents?
What is promised
or undertaken in baptism?
What if I can’t
make these promises?
What else can
parents do?
Is there a fee
for baptism?
When are baptisms held?
Baptism at All Souls are held in a separate service on Sundays at Noon.
These are usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Forthcoming date are
found here.
What preparation is required for baptism?
We do not require people to attend courses prior to baptism. However, it
is most important that you
take some time to get to know us, and for us to get to know you. For
this reason we ask you to =come along to four Sunday morning services
before your child's baptism.
What is baptism?
Baptism is a simple ceremony of washing in water, practised by
Christians since the time of Jesus. It is a sign of membership in God’s
family through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. At the same time, baptism
symbolises Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Those who ask for baptism
recognise that their place in God’s family depends on what Jesus did for
them by his dying and rising again.
What is necessary for an effective baptism?
From one point of view, baptism represents what God does for us - he
gives us a new birth by his Holy Spirit. This is what we pray for when
we are baptised. The one essential thing on the part of the person being
baptised is sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the case of an infant, this response of faith must be made in the
name of the infant by sponsors (parents and godparents) until such time
as the infant can make his or her own response.
Who may be godparents?
Godparents are members of the church who have themselves been baptised
and have confirmed their faith. They may be either the parents
themselves, or others close to the family who are interested in the
child’s spiritual nurture. Godparents should be able to answer ‘Yes’ to
the following two questions:
- Are you yourself a follower of
Jesus Christ and a member of his Church, sincerely believing the
promises of God?
- Are you willing to sponsor this
child, answering for him/her now, and accepting responsibility for
his/her Christian upbringing?
A boy usually has two godfathers
and a godmother and a girl usually has two godmothers and a godfather.
What are the duties of godparents?
Those who act as godparents in baptism are accepting the responsibility,
with parents, of providing encouragement, teaching and the help of a
good example so that the children may be brought up to follow Christ and
become faithful members of the church.
What is promised or undertaken in baptism?
Three promises are made by all candidates for baptism, and these also
are the undertakings made by godparents when the candidate is a child:
- A renunciation of ‘the world, the
flesh, and the devil’ which means a rejection of all that is opposed
to the will of God.
- A belief in God, the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit, which means trust in God as the one who
made us, in Jesus as the one who saves us, and in the Holy Spirit
who makes us like Jesus.
- A firm intention to obey God and
follow his leading in our lives.
What if I can’t make these
promises?
If one of the parents cannot make these declarations and promises with
confidence it is sufficient if one parent can make them. If neither
parent feel they can make the promises with integrity then you should
ask about a Thanksgiving and Naming Service which requires no such
commitment and is still a meaningful and special occasion.
What else can parents do?
Pray for the child. Baptism is not just a naming ceremony; it can be a
most meaningful occasion for establishing yourselves, your home and
family in a right relationship with God. You may have been out of touch
with the church; or you may wish to ask about baptism or confirmation
for yourself. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions you may have with
our minister.
Is there a fee for baptism?
There is no fee for baptism. Parents who wish to make a thank offering
are welcome to do so.
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