st mary's church, billingshurst
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Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child

 

Parents often prefer the Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child instead of Baptism (you may want to read through the baptism guide).

 

This might be because they decide that they would prefer their child to be baptised when he or she is old enough to choose to follow Jesus for themselves, or it may be that the parents feel that they themselves are still on a journey towards Christian faith and are uneasy about making the commitment and promises outlined in the Baptism service.

 

The Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child provides an opportunity for parents and families to give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to pray for family life. The service also includes the option for the child to be formally named and the family is given a copy of one of the Gospels.

 

Instead of the baptismal promises, the parents are asked these two questions:

 

     Do you receive these children as a gift from God?

     Do you wish to give thanks to God and seek his blessing?

 

Although the official term 'Godparents' can only be used for Baptism, you are more than welcome to invite supporting friends to fulfil the same role and take part in the Service of Thanksgiving.

 

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