The Church of Scotland
Burntisland Parish Church
a living church in an historic building
“This Church exists to bring people to Jesus, grow disciples, love one another, serve the wider community, and to glorify and worship God together.”
Baptism (Christening)
Jesus said “Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not”
If you live in or near Burntisland then do get in touch with the minister (Alan Sharp 874303). Or better still come to the service any Sunday morning, the minister is always available after the service ( at the end of the service the minister shakes hands with everyone as they leave).
Baptisms normally happen at the beginning of the morning service. .
We are also delighted to baptize adults, (see below) again get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Baptism the same as Christening?
Yes.
What is baptism about?
In baptising children we are proclaiming the fact that God loves your child.
We are saying that it was for your child that God sent Jesus into the world, for
your child Jesus died on the cross, and the risen Jesus calls you and your child
to know him, to love him and to serve him.
In baptism we make visible our
hope and our prayer that your child will, in God's time, come to faith in Jesus,
and be born again of the Spirit. In baptism we claim this child for the church
of Jesus, committing ourselves to doing all that we can by prayer and example to
bring your child up in the Christian faith.
In baptism we obey the command of
Jesus who, after he was raised from the dead said: ``Full authority in heaven
and on Earth has been given to me. Go therefore to all nations and make them my
disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy
Spirit, and teach them to observe all that I commanded you. And I will be with
you always to the end of time.'' Matthew 28: v18-20
Do I have to come to church to have my child baptized?
We are delighted at your interest in having your child baptised. We want the baptism of your child to be meaningful, so that you, the parents understand the commitment that you make.
Baptism is not only for the child, but also for you the parents. You are asked to dedicate your child to God, to confess your faith, and to undertake to bring up your child in the church. It is not something to be done lightly, or because granny wants it done. As a church we want you to know something of Jesus, in whose name you present your child for baptism.
We would therefore encourage you to worship with us. Our main service is at 11am. We have a creche for babies and toddlers and a Young Church for children each Sunday.
How much does it cost?
There is never any charge for baptism. There is an offering during the service but you and your family are our guests and should not feel that you have to contribute.
Can I have the service anywhere?
In the Church of Scotland, baptisms normally take place during the Sunday morning service.
What promises am I asked to make?
The parents make these promises before God and before the congregation:
Do
you present your child to be baptised, earnestly desiring that they may be
grafted into Christ as a member of his body, the church?
Do you believe in
one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and do you confess Jesus Christ as your
Saviour and Lord?
Do you promise, with the help of God, to teach your child
the truths and duties of the Christian faith; and by prayer and example to bring
them up in the life and worship of the church?
To each promise at least one
parent must respond: ``I do'', in sincerity and in the faith that God will help
you to fulfill these promises.
We also ask the congregation to recommit
themselves to Jesus, and to acknowledge their responsibility for your child.
What time should I be at the church?
The baptism is at the very beginning of the service so warn friends and family to be on time- if they are late, they will miss it. Tell them to be there at 10.50am to be sure of getting a seat, and come yourself at 10.45am.
Where should we sit?
Your guests are very welcome to sit in the front pews and the side pews around the font. Parents and god-parents should sit in the front row.
What if younger children are noisy?
We ask that all babies and toddlers be taken to the creche after the baptism itself. If you keep your child with you during the service, please ask a god parent or member of the family to take the little one out if they start to be noisy (don't sit going red). Don't worry though if they are noisy during the baptism itself.
Will this baptism be recognized by other churches?
We baptise children not into the church of Scotland but into the whole Christian Church and this baptism is recognised by the other churches, including the Church of England, the Methodists and the Roman Catholics
What happens during the service?
After the first hymn, an explaination of baptism is given. This is something
which Jesus commanded us to do, it is a sign of God's love for your child, a
sign of the washing away of sin and a new life in Jesus as part of God's family
- the church..
We ask the parents to stand while the god-parents look after
the baby, for the promises. You should respond ``I do'' to each vow. The
congregation then stand and, after a word of prayer, the parents bring their
children forward to the font. Normally the father will hand the child to the
minister who hands the child back to mother. You can then go back to your
places. After the next hymn the children leave for crèche and Sunday School.
I wasn’t baptized as a child can I be baptized now?
Increasingly we are baptising adults who have not been baptised as children, sometimes parents along with their little ones. Normally this would be after taking part in an Alpha Course. (A simple introduction to the Christian Faith)
What next?
Baptism is a beginning point, not an end. As a church we are aware of our responsibility to your family. We hope that you will keep in touch with the church, bring your child. We will also be inviting you to special events and services at Burntisland Parish Church. Your child is of course more than welcome at our creche,or later Sunday School and youth organisations.