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 baptised at St Lawrence Church.
Those who live outside the parish may be able arrange to have their children baptised here if they have a connection to the parish, but will need to obtain permission from their local parish priest before we would agree to do it here.
Baptism 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 baptism so they are sure this is the right step to make for their children.
In baptism 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 baptised 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 baptised are encouraged to ask for baptism. 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 baptised, or wish to have a child baptised, 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 22nd May
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Prayer for a Growing Church in the Corpus Christi Chapel
2.15 pm Tiny Tots in the Breakspear Room
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.30 pm Ringers' practice
8.00 pm Parochial Church Council meets in the Breakspear Room
Tuesday 23rd May
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Tuesday Coffee in the Breakspear Room
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
Wednesday 24th May
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
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.45 for 8.00 pm Deanery Synod meets at St Mary's, Watford
8.00 pm Social Committee meets at 7 Fernhills
8.00 pm Bereavement Visitors meet at St Saviour's
Thursday 25th May - Ascension Day
8.15 am Prayers for the local church and community in St Lawrence
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
11.00 am Funeral of Marvin Attwood in St Lawrence followed by Cremation
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
8.00 pm Parish Communion for the Patronal Festival at the Church of the Ascension
Friday 26th May
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.00 am AHAL Coffee in the Henderson Hub
10.00 am Craft Group in the Church of the Ascension
2.00 pm Craft and Conversation in the Breakspear Room
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
No Youth Choir practice
Saturday 27th May
11.00 am Spring Concert Series - Local Vocals, Parmiter's School, Francis Combe Academy
12.15 pm Bell Toll for WW1 soldier - Frederick Harvey How
Sunday 28th May - The Sixth Sunday of Easter
8.00 am Holy Communion in St Lawrence
9.30 am Parish Communion with Seekers and Creche in St Lawrence
12.15 pm Baptism of Jackson Hanson in St Lawrence
6.30 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.30 pm MAP Meeting in the Breakspear Room - Making New Disciples
Monday 29th May
Bank Holiday
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
Tuesday 30th May
9.30 am Morning Prayer in St Lawrence
10.15 am Tuesday Coffee in the Breakspear Room
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
Wednesday 31st May
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
5.15 pm Evening Prayer in St Lawrence
7.00 pm Wedding rehearsal in St Lawrence
7.45 pm Choir practice in St Lawrence