Christenings / Baptisms
A Christening (sometimes called Baptism) is a service at which children are made members of the Church, and given the promise of God's blessing and eternal life. Anyone who lives in the parish or who is on the Electoral Roll (the Church's membership list) has a right to have their children christened at St Lawrence Church.
Those who live outside the parish may be able arrange to have their children christened here if they have a connection to the parish, but we will need to obtain permission from their local parish priest before we would agree to do it here.
A christening implies commitment to a continuing connection with the Church so children have the opportunity to grow in faith, learn more about Jesus and find their place within God's family.
Often families will be encouraged to come to Church before arranging a christening so they are sure this is the right step to make for their children.
In a christening the parents and Godparents are saying, in effect, on their behalf, "I believe in God, I want to learn more about Jesus, I want to be a member of the Church."
Parents who do not wish their children to be christened immediately, but wish to give thanks to God for the birth or adoption of a child, are welcome to ask for a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child.
Adults and older children who have not been christened are encouraged to ask for a christening. They make the promises for themselves so have to be sure that they believe in God, want to learn more about Jesus and want to become a member of the Church. The vicar is always ready to talk to those who wish to explore what this might mean!
If you wish to be christened, or wish to have a child christened, please make contact with the Church Office or the vicar.
Jesus said, 'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' (John 10.10)
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The coming week...
Weekly Leaflet
Monday 17th December
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.30 am Tannerswood School in St Lawrence
2.15 pm Tiny Tots in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.30 pm Ringing practice in St Lawrence tower
Tuesday 18th December
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Tuesday Coffee in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.00 pm Youth Club in the church hall
Wednesday 19th December
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Holy Communion in St Lawrence
11.00 am Quiet Reflection in the Corpus Christi Chapel, St Lawrence
12.00 noon Home Communion at Abbeyfield
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.45 pm Choir practice in St Lawrence
Thursday 20th December
8.15 am Early Prayer in St Lawrence
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
6.00 pm Carols around the Christmas Tree at Bedmond
Friday 21st December
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.00 am Craft Morning in the Tin Church, Bedmond
10.00 am AHAL Coffee in the Henderson Hub, Abbots Langley High Street
2.00 pm Craft & Conversation in the Breakspear Room
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
6.15 pm Youth Choir in the Breakspear Room
Saturday 22nd December
8.00 pm Christmas Focus in St Lawrence
Sunday 23rd December - the Fourth Sunday of Advent
8.00 am Holy Communion in St Lawrence
9.30 am Parish Communion with Seekers and Creche in St Lawrence
11.15 am Holy Communion in the Tin Church, Bedmond
4.00 pm Nine Lessons & Carols in the Tin Church, Bedmond followed by mulled wine & mincepies
6.30 pm Nine Lessons & Carols in St Lawrence followed by mulled wiine & mincepies
Monday 24th December - Christmas Eve
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
1.30 pm Candlelight Service
2.30 pm Candlelight Service
3.30 pm Candlelight Service
4.30 pm Candlelight Service
6.00 pm Candlelight Service
11.30 pm Midnight Mass at the Tin Church, Bedmond
11.45 pm Midnight Mass at St Lawrence
Tuesday 25th December - Christmas Day
9.30 am Family Communion at St Lawrence
11.15 am Holy Communion at the Tin Church, Bedmond
Wednesday 26th December - Boxing Day (St Stephen)
No services today