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...
Monday 18th September
9.30 am Morning Prayer 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 Ringers' practice in St Lawrence tower
Tuesday 19th September
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Tuesday Coffee in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
12.30 pm Open Bible Session in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
8.00 pm Mothers' Union in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
Wednesday 20th September
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Holy Communion in St Lawrence
11.00 am Quiet Hour in 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
8.00 pm Social Committee meets at 7 Fernhills
Thursday 21st September
8.15 am Early Prayer for the Parish and Community in St Lawrence
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
Friday 22nd September
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.00 am Craft Session in Bedmond Church
2.00 pm Craft & Conversation in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
2.15 pm Funeral of Andrew Dixon in St Lawrence followed by cremation
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
No Youth Choir practice this evening
8.00 pm Wedding rehearsal in St Lawrence
Saturday 23rd September
2.00 pm Wedding of Jamie Impey and Terri-Louise Carlisle
Sunday 24th September - Trinity 15
8.00 am Holy Communion in St Lawrence
9.30 am Parish Communion with Seekers and Creche in St Lawrence
6.30 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.30 pm Pilgrim Course in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
Monday 25th September
9.30 am Morning Prayer 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 Ringers practice in St Lawrence tower
Tuesday 26th September
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Tuesday Coffee in the Breakspear Room
12.30 pm Funeral of Rosemary Robinson in St Lawrence followed by cremation
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
Wednesday 27th September
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Holy Communion in St Lawrence
11.00 am Quiet Hour in St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.45 pm Choir practice in St Lawrence
8.00 pm Seekers leaders meeting in the Breakspear Room, St Lawrence
8.00 pm Bereavement Visitors meeting in the Methodist small hall