PERSONAL BLESSING (There is a candle/taper for each parent and Godparent/sponsor, and a center candle for the child/believer being baptized. In many churches, a special oil may be used to make the sign of a cross on the child’s forehead. There are several moments in the service which have a special meaning too. Do you promise to love, honor, support and encourage the child/believer throughout his/her life? SUITABLE CLOSING FOR AN INFANT/CHILD or ADULT CHRISTENING. Amen. You can see the full order of service here. So it is and so it shall always be. As the Charge to Parents and Godparents, particularly if the Traditional charge is used – as it is contains very powerful and absolute declarations of the specifics of Christian faith – a particularly awkward surprise to a non Christian Godparent or sponsor. There will be a Bible reading, and the vicar will also talk about what a christening means. They also receive a baby dedication certificate. Making a checklist to prepare for this event can make the process smoother. Amen. We pray for the care and protection of this. “If anyone would come after me, let that person disregard themselves, take up their responsibility daily, and follow me. (There are two versions – the traditional and convention. We pray for the care and protection of this child/believer in body and soul. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy God, Amen.. Classic Charge closing with benediction (to adult believer): ________________, from this day forward, you are a dedicated member of the body of the church and of the Kingdom of God. ), ALTERNATIVE CLOSINGS OF SERVICE We surrender him/her to your hands. Christening is different from baptism in that the baby is not yet old enough to understand and profess faith in Jesus, so this baptizing or confirming comes at a later age. Today, we dedicate _________________ to Our God in this Christening/Baptism. child] -. By grace in faith we are forgiven and assured eternal life. At this point, comes the “charge”. The decision of dedication you make today is one of the most sacred and significant you may declare. indescribable! Jesus said: By completing a thorough renaming and christening ceremony, the newly named boat will please the nautical gods and once again be protected in the sea. There are several moments in the service which have a special meaning too. Defend the Church; (“Church means “Christendom” as the body of believers, not a denomination or We surrender him/her to your hands. Even this much, God loves you. On occasion, a family member or friend will be asked to be a Godparent to a child at a baptism/Christening, without exploring if this person does profess Christian faith. The vicar, or someone else from the church, will pray for the child and for all those who will support them in their path of faith. Knelling in reverence to to our Lord God, in the private place, light this candle and and through pray ask for the safekeeping of ___________ in both body and soul from our Heaven Father, the revelation of grace and salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit. 28 18-20 Receive the sign of the cross.”. The minister shall pour the water upon the forehead of the child/believer, and say -). Should there be a time in the future of _______________for which he/she faces difficult times of trial, be called upon to make grave decisions – of hardship or joy, or become lost in spirit – you should, as the duty and obligation you have assumed today – find a quiet place alone to yourself. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of time. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instructs us that all should come to faith with the eyes and heart of a child. We usually give them a Children’s Bible. The minister/priest shall say:). In a christening ceremony, the child is not named until the actual baptism. “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Today marks a momentous and incredibly special occasion. A baby’s baptism is a very special moment in your young child’s life. May the Lord will Bless you and Keep you; make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; Lift his Countenance unto you and give you peace. that your dreams and hopes will be within your reach. It has been said that in a Christening/Baptism, Heaven comes down and surround the child/person with God’s love for which the effect is lifelong.