Baptism service.

This introduction may be used

PREPARATION
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all
All   and also with you.

A prayer to gather us ready for the service

Heavenly Father,
by the power of your Holy Spirit you give to all 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. 
All  Amen.

A gathering of readings about Baptism.
God is the creator of all things, and by the birth of children he gives to parents a share in the work and joy of creation. But we who are born of earthly parents need to be born again. For in the Gospel Jesus tells us that unless a man has been born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. And so God gives us the way to a second birth, a new creation and life in union with him.
Baptism is the sign and seal of this new birth. In St Matthew's Gospel we read of the risen Christ commanding his followers to make disciples of all nations and to baptise men everywhere; and in the Acts of the Apostles we read of St Peter preaching in these words: 'Repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and your children and to all that are afar off, everyone whom the Lord calls to him.'

In obedience to this same command we ourselves were baptised and now bring these children to baptism.
Minister says to all present:
Faith is the Gift of God to all people, so I ask all gathered here, People of God will you welcome n and uphold n in 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, and draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them into the way of Christ?

All With the help of God, we will.

Duties of parents and godparents:

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?
All With the help of God, we will.

Parents and Godparents bring their sheets and come to stand others sit.
THE DECISION        (Questions to parents and godparents)
In Baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.

I ask you these questions which you must answer for yourselves and for these children.
Do you turn to Christ?  I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins? I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil?  I renounce evil.

SIGNING WITH THE CROSS
the sign of the cross is made using the oil of baptism by minister, parents and godparents

Name    I sign you with sign of the cross   parents and godparents follow.
(Name) we have signed you with the cross, the sign of Christ.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
All  Fight valiantly under the banner of Christ against sin, the world, and evil,
and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
+ May Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness,
Restore you in the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen.

The Water of Baptism. We may go to the font. People may stand and face font.
We bring forward our water and our shell, 

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