BAPTISMS

We are always delighted when parents wish to have their children baptised into Christ ’s church within Lyle Kirk. Having a child is a great joy but a child also comes with responsibility on behalf of the parents. Many parents want to give thanks for the safe arrival of a child. In the Church of Scotland we practise 'infant baptism', meaning that we baptise children as well as adults.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland, the other being the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Services of Thanksgiving and Blessing

In the Church of Scotland, we can also offer a service of thanksgiving and blessing to parents who would like to have a church ceremony to mark the birth of their child; to give thanks for his/her life; and to make public promises to be the best parents they can be.  In this service, the minister will not baptise the child with water but will pray God’s blessing on the child and the whole family.

This option is for anyone, whether you have a personal faith in God or not.  It is particularly appropriate if, in all honesty, you don’t intend to come to church regularly or if you’re not yet ready to make a commitment.  It is also a popular option for those who enjoy worshipping in the Church of Scotland but aren’t sure if they agree with the practice of infant baptism (sometimes the service in this case is also known as a service of dedication).

A service of thanksgiving and blessing is normally held during a Sunday morning service but if you prefer, it can take place in the church at another time as a private ceremony for you and your family.

What is baptism?

Baptism allows us as a church to publicly welcome the person being baptised into God ’s family. We believe that it is through being baptised that people are part of the worldwide church. We often talk about people becoming members of the church of Jesus Christ during a Baptism service. Baptism, we believe, is the sign of ‘dying ’ to our old lives and ‘rising to new life in Christ ’ .

If I am baptised, does that make me a church member?

The Church of Scotland recognises that to become a ‘communicant ’ member you must, as an adult, profess your faith in Jesus Christ. So although, during baptism, you become a member of the worldwide church, to be a full ‘communicant ’ member of the Church of Scotland, you must acknowledge your faith in Jesus Christ understand what it means. If you are interested about becoming a member of our church, please see the Church Membership page on the website.

Who can be baptised?

The Church of Scotland practices infant baptism, as well as adult baptism. In the case of infant baptism the Church expects at least one parent either to be a member of the Church or willing to become a member. In the baptismal service the parent or parents profess their own faith and promise to give their child a Christian upbringing. In the case of adult baptism the person himself or herself makes the appropriate promises.

As a church, it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not ask anyone to take promises before God that they do not understand or do not mean.  Ultimately it is up to the minister and the Kirk Session to decide if we can proceed with a baptism or a thanksgiving and blessing.

If you’re not sure what you believe, you might be interested in coming to The Alpha Course. This is for anyone who wants to discuss the key points of the Christian faith and to think through the claims of Jesus and their relevance today. The course lasts seven weeks and we meet for a couple of hours each week including a meal.  If you want to know more, just ask our Minister, Jonathan.

When are people baptised?

Baptism is administered at Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises that baptism is part of the life of the church and stresses the important nature of the sacrament. It used to be customary that children would be baptised in the house, the manse, or even the church vestry. However, it is only in very exceptional circumstances that baptism can be administered at any other time outside Sunday worship.

How can I find out more?

If you would like to know more about Baptism for yourself or for a child, then please contact our minister, Jonathan who will be happy to discuss it with you.