It was a joy for me last weekend to take a christening service for two young children in All Saints church in Wokingham.
One of them was just a year old, and the other four and able to answer for herself the question, ‘do you wish to be baptised?’ … ‘I do,’ she replied. It was a lovely moment.
Christenings are a wonderful part of my ministry as a priest but with the pandemic and then the closure of our church for refurbishment works, are something that I have missed.
Although St Paul’s graciously let us hold christenings services in their church while our building was shut, it has been clear to see that since announcing our reopening, the number of christenings being booked has increased.
A christening is a lovely service at which a child or baby begins their own special journey of faith.
They are supported by parents, godparents and the church community to explore and nurture that faith as they grow up, that one day they might make their own decision and declare it for themselves.
Our christening services are usually lively and informal services and involve a short child-friendly talk and some familiar hymns or songs. We have also started offering A Service of Thanksgiving as an alternative to a christening, for those who would like to give thanks for a new arrival and yet perhaps do not feel ready for a Christian commitment.
Perhaps getting your baby or child christened is something that you have put off, with the pandemic and the busyness of life – I encourage you to consider if now is the time to enquire – the church is open for business.
The Revd Hannah Higginson is associate priest of All Saints Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
